Explosive situation avoided
FIREFIGHTERS have been credited with defusing a potentially explosive situation at Millmerran similar to that which blew apart the Angellala Creek Bridge, near Charleville, in 2014.
About 40 people were evacuated from a caravan park and nearby homes when a tyre service centre on Campbell St,t Millmerran, caught fire about 5.30pm Thursday. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews were initially called to reports the business was on fire but on arrival found the blaze confined to a forklift on site.
Although the fire was extinguished quickly, there were concerns the leaking diesel could have mixed with urea stored inside the shed and exploded.
Millmerran police Senior Constable Hans van Kempen said the caravan park across the road from the shop, and nearby homes, were evacuated and an exclusion zone put in place until almost midnight as the scene was contained.
"Every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of the town," he said.
QFES crews remained on scene until after 11pm.
