A DEVASTATING fire which destroyed multiple properties in Winsford last week is believed to have been caused by an accidental butane explosion.

Emergency services rushed to Abbotts Way shortly after 1.30pm on March 22 to tackle a huge blaze affecting a house and two flats which had spread to nearby properties.

Six fire engines - from Winsford, Holmes Chapel, Chester, Northwich, Crewe and Sandbach - attended, alongside an aerial ladder platform.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue service confirmed: “Following an investigation by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service it is believed an accidental butane explosion started a fire inside a house on Abbotts Way in Winsford on March 22.”

Paramedics also travelled to the scene and treated four casualties, whose injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

A number of roads in the area were cordoned off, including Aston Avenue, Nixon Drive and Saxon Crossway.

Nearby properties were evacuated, with other residents in the area advised to stay indoors with the windows closed due to the amount of smoke in the air.

A temporary shelter was set up at the New Images Youth Centre for residents affected, and the community came together to offer words of support and collect donations.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust said it was working with affected tenants and residents to find them alternative accommodation and ‘offer support during this distressing time’.

A statement reads: “We would like to say thank you to the Winsford community who were truly amazing in pulling together and offering each other support and care following the fire incident on Abbotts Way.

“Our Neighbourhood and Property Teams were at the scene within minutes of the incident and stayed all afternoon and evening supporting tenants and residents.

“We are continuing to work with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Winsford Police and would like to extend our thanks to them for their swift action.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to the New Images Youth and Community Centre, who immediately opened up as a shelter and where our colleagues worked.”

Fire crews remained at the scene for two days, checking for hot spots and damping down certain areas.