A MECHANIC said he was lucky to be alive after his garage, which had a highly explosive gas canister in, caught fire.

Three fire engines were called to the incident on Forge Way, on the Cleveland Trading Estate in Darlington, at 16.42pm on Wednesday.

Workers were evacuated and a 200-metre cordon was established after an acetylene cylinder, which is triggered by heat, was found in the burning building.

The man, 55, who does not wish to be identified, said: “I was working by myself on my ex-wife’s car when I felt heat on my back. By the time I turned around, it was too late.

“As soon as I saw the flames I realised I would not be able to put the fire out. I shouted for the lad next door but he was not in – all I knew is that I had to get out of there.

“The building was engulfed very quickly. All of my tools were destroyed and my caravan, which was next to the garage, also went up in flames.

“I had seven cars on site and three were ruined. I lost the keys to all of them, which cost £150 each to replace.

“My father heard the news and rushed over from Billingham. He has been helping me sort things out.

“I used the garage as an escape and often repaired my children’s cars up here. The building is not insured because it is a temporary one – I have been here for over ten years but I do not know if I will be able to afford to come back.”

The fire was extinguished at 20.17pm and a hazardous material officer was requested.

The garage, known locally as Corsa Corner, also caught fire in March 2009. The source of the fire was never confirmed and it cost £30,000 to repair.

The owner added: “How has this happened twice in five years?

“I am just grateful the firefighters managed to put it out quicker than last time. It is harder because there is very low water pressure up here.”

A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesman confirmed the fire on Wednesday was accidental.