Firefighters tackle blaze at Falmouth docks

More than 50 firefighters have been tackling a blaze in which a number of gas cylinders are believed to have exploded at Falmouth docks, Cornwall. Devon and Cornwall police said there were fears more cylinders could explode in the ''fast moving" incident at what is understood to be a fabrication shop. Some residents have been evacuated and others have been told to keep doors and windows closed. A 300-metre exclusion zone is in force and thick black smoke has been seen billowing from the area. No injuries were reported. Cornwall council has prepared a respite centre at Emmanuel Baptist church in the town for anyone who has nowhere to stay. About 150 students were evacuated from a block of flats to the Falmouth hotel. Jenna Wilkins, 21, said: "It was very frightening at the time as I looked out of my window and saw plumes of black smoke coming out from the docks. "I was going round banging on my friends' doors, as people weren't getting up. "It's embarrassing because I work at the hotel and I am sat here in my pyjamas." By early afternoon Cornwall fire and rescue service said the "situation was stable". However the exclusion zone is likely to remain in place for at least 24 hours while firefighters keep the cylinders cool. Kevin Quintrell, who has worked at the docks for 27 years, said: "I was right there when it started. It must have begun with a spark or something." He said at least 12 bottles exploded. "We use the gas for working on the ships when we're repairing them. Two men were switching the bottles when it happened. I was 20m away and as soon as I heard the explosion, I turned and ran. In 27 years, I've never seen anything like this happen." Mark Webster, manager of the marina, whose office is opposite the docks, said: "We're used to hearing noises go off from the docks, so at first I didn't think anything of it. Then it kept happening, and I thought, actually, I think this is a problem. I had a look and sure enough, there was lots of black smoke."