PEOPLE were able to return to their homes today after being evacuated during a fire explosion scare.

PEOPLE were able to return to their homes today after being evacuated during a fire explosion scare.

Firefighters tackling a blaze overnight in Essex created a 200-metre exclusion zone after finding highly flammable gas cylinders, magnesium and fireworks.

Around 40 residents in Cold Norton were taken into care of the authorities while officers tackled the inferno in a garage and caravan in the face of several explosions.

The Suffolk police helicopter with a thermal imaging camera was also called in to help.

Essex fire officers said the blaze was put out at 7.30am and a full investigation into the cause of the fire has now been launched.

Station officer Dave Moore said: “We believed that both cylinders had exploded last night, but were only able to confirm this just now in daylight.

“Because they no longer pose a risk the exclusion zone is not needed and neighbours have started top return to their homes.

“Crews will remain at the scene for some time damping down and turning over to ensure that there are no hot spots.”