FIREFIGHTERS helped to avoid a potentially explosive incident after sparks set off a fire around gas cylinders in an Earley Kwit Fit.

Staff at the London Road garage raised the alarm following a blowback into the gas powered device.

The store had to be evacuated and five applicances from Reading were initially called on in case the blaze melted through and burst the cannisters.

On arrival fire crews from Wokingham Road managed to douse the blaze and cool down the cylinders to avoid the risk of an explosion.

Using thermal imaging cameras firefighters stood watch until they were satisfied that staff would not be at risk when they returned into the building.

No one was injured and after around an hour and a half emergency services left the scene safe at 4.40pm.