A BONFIRE ended in devastation after a gas canister inside a shed exploded.

Firefighters from Caversham and Dee Road stations were called to Upper Woodcote Road in Caversham at around 5.30pm on September 16.

Members of the nearby Caversham Heath Golf Course spotted flames in the distance and alerted emergency services.

By the time fire crews arrived at the scene, the bonfire had spiraled out of control and ripped through a garden shed.

A butane gas cylinder, which had been left in the shed for many years, exploded, causing parts of the shed to fly into neighbouring gardens.

The owner is believed to have forgotten he owned the cylinder and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is warning others to ensure they are stored safely.

Steve Beard, RBFRS's station manager for prevention policy, said: “Cylinders must be sited away from any heat source, in a well ventilated place and must stand in a stable upright position.

“When not in use, store in a safe place at home that is out of any children’s reach.

"Ensure storage area is dry and cool, out of the direct sunlight and away from any other sources of extreme heat.

“Ensure that cylinders and the all connected equipment are in good working order.

"If you are using a regulator, make sure it is the right regulator for the cylinder and conforms to British Standards.”