THESE shocking pictures reveal how exploding aerosol cans dislodged the roof of a Worcestershire home by about three inches.
Walls and windows were similarly forced out of place by the dramatic blast, after a small candle fire in a bedroom spread to two aerosols.
Two people suffered minor injuries in the explosion while the house incurred structural damage.
Wooden support frames are now needed to hold the property in Offenham, near Evesham, together.
Phil Griffiths, station commander at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said “Although the actual fire damage was minimal, the explosion had forced the roof, walls and windows out by a few inches.
“A full fire investigation was carried out and it was determined that the fire had started from candles around the dressing table being in close proximity to two aerosol cans.”
Firefighters from Evesham attended the scene at 9pm on Saturday (March 7) and worked overnight to ensure the building was not at risk of collapsing.
A structural engineer from Wychavon District Council assisted.
Cathy Smith, one of the occupants of the house in Station Road, said: “I want to thank all of the firemen who were there that night.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service attended the incident and treated two people at the scene for minor injuries, before advising them to visit a nearby A&E department.
The aerosols which exploded were a bottle of dry shampoo and a nail hardener and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is urging members of the public to take extra care with such items.
Adrian Elliot, community risk group commander, said: “Aerosols are extremely flammable and can explode when subjected to higher temperatures.
“If you use aerosols, keep them away from sources of ignition and never leave them in direct sunlight.”
For more fire safety advice visit hwfire.org.uk
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