Wimbledon fire: Horror blaze as firefighters rush to stop major gas explosion

London Fire Brigade says around 40 firefighters are tackling the blaze in Wimbledon, southwest London, and at least one person has needed treatment for injuries

Firefighters are battling to prevent a huge gas explosion after two garden sheds caught alight in the capital.

Photographs shared on social media show thick black smoke billowing from the fire in Wimbledon, southwest London. A man was treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

But there is concern a gas cylinder at one of the adjoining properties could explode, so crews from across south London have cooled the bottle to an ambient temperature as a precaution. Some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: "Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a fire on Faraday Road in Wimbledon. Two adjoining sheds were alight. A man was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews. Firefighters cooled a gas cylinder to an ambient temperature as a precaution, as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.

"A 50-metre cordon is in place and the road remains closed at the junction of Faraday Road and Trinity Road while firefighters make the scene safe. Drivers are advised to find alternative routes.

"The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 10 calls to the fire. The Brigade was called at 1420 and the fire was under control by 1633. Fire crews from Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Mitcham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation."

The Mirror has contacted London Ambulance Service about the incident. It happened near Wimbledon Station, part of both the London Underground network and National Rail system. Neither is affected by the fire and smoke, it is understood tonight.