EXCLUSION zones surrounding a Bolton scapyard following a fire were lifted overnight.
Restrictions were put in place around Critchley's Scrap Yard in Derby Street, Daubhill, amid fears of an explosion following the fire which started on Monday night.
Firefighters spent 25 hours monitoring the site and using water jets to cool oxyacetylene gas cylinders before police lifted the 200-metre exclusion zone at 11pm last night.
Specialist hazardous materials officers were called to the scrapyard after the gas cylinders became hot. The blaze swept through the scarpyard after tyres, rubbish and wooden pallets were set alight on wasteland next to the yard.
The street was sealed off to motorists and pedestrians and residents were asked to stay in their homes. Fire brigade sub-officer Shaun Walton said: "The fire was maliciously started and an investigation is being carried out by police."
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