Firefighters called to Sheffield suburb amid gas explosion fears

Firefighters were deployed to Woodseats earlier this morning after flames from a bin fire spread to a gas pipe (Pic: Roy Wilson)

A fire broke out in a commercial wheelie bin behind the St Luke’s charity shop in Woodseats at around 3.10am.

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Flames from the burning bin on The Dale spread to the shop and damaged a gas pipe.

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Firefighters were called out to extinguish the flames and as a precaution until gas engineers arrived at the scene.

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It is believed that the fire may have been sparked by a discarded cigarette but the investigation is still under way.

In a statement issues this morning, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters were called to an industrial wheelie bin fire, at 3.11am this morning outside a charity shop on The Dale, Sheffield.

“Upon arrival they found that the fire had spread through a wall vent, with flames visible inside the shop.

“Having extinguished the bin fire, breathing apparatus wearers were quickly committed into the building to fully extinguish the fire – which had affected the gas and electricity meters.

“Dry powder extinguishers were used to ensure the fire was fully out before the utilities were isolated and investigated by the gas and electricity boards.

“Nobody was injured in the incident and an investigation into the cause is on-going.”