RANDOM safety checks on a town's allotments were launched yesterday to avoid a repeat of a near disaster.
Four firefighters were thrown through the air as gas cylinders exploded following an arson attack on allotments at Thornhill Gardens, Hartlepool, last month.
A gas cylinder went through the window of a sun lounge and 35 homes were evacuated.
Fire Station Officer Neil Rowland, who attended the incident, said it was a miracle that one resident was not killed when a 54kg propane gas cylinder went through the window of his sun lounge.
Firefighters and Hartlepool Council officials hope a system of regular checks will deter allotment holders from storing hazardous materials in their sheds, especially in the light of a rash of arson attacks targeting allotments.
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