How dangerous is this?

[BigBlueTeapot]

Neighbour has had some workmen burning things in her back yard. I am no expert but let's just say I am not certain as to whether their practice would comply with any sort of health and safety certification. When the flames cleared I spotted at least 2 gas cylinders. Neighbour says at least one is "not quite" empty. These haven't yet exploded but are they still at risk?

Bump...because I am quite anxious!

Of course it bloody is - are they insane?
I'd report to local fire department

it also looks to be against a wooden fence!!

Jesus Christ this is bonkers. Yes report to local fire department.

Is this currently ongoing? I would’ve reported asap I think, doesn’t seem a safe distance from the building and obviously the risk of explosion.

I’ve heard one of these explode in next door’s barn and it literally made our windows rattle. The cylinder was found a couple of hundred meters away, compressed to the size and thickness of a dinner plate. It had gone straight through the barn wall so it was lucky it didn’t hit anyone. Obviously there was a fire too.

If the fire is still going and they won’t get rid of the cylinders, report to the fire brigade.

This is current situation. They have moved one cannister and cleared some of the debris

Fgs. Get off your phone and call the fire brigade. Even if the risk is lower now, they may attempt this level of stupidity again with disastrous consequences

Really fucking stupid and dangerous!

Fucking stupid behaviour.

I hope you called fire brigade, this is maddeningly stupid!

OP, gas cannisters retain heat for a very long time. The firebrigade often have hoses on them for hours. Call the firebrigade NOW. And then call environmentally health and report your neighbour and the builders dangerous stupidity.

Judging by the photos, I'd guess the neighbour is not of the "very responsible" variety, and might have a total meltdown if OP reported this.

Tricky.

As nothing is now actually on fire I haven't reported yet. I estimate the cannister is about 8ft away. If they start actively burning anything again I will definitely call. I also have my neighbour on the other side monitoring.

A gas cannister has been IN the fire?

You need to report this NOW.

That cannister could explode any second. It won't fragment like some TV explosion, the valve will come off the top and the cannister will literally become a rocket. It could easily kill someone. I saw a video once of a BOC truck on fire in London. The gas bottles were propelled three stories high when the valves failed.

How ridiculous to just sat fire to a pile of wood on a patio so close to so much flammable stuff. And for what reason? How much effort would it be to brake it up and put it in the recycling?
You should speak to the neighbour in a concerned rather than accusatory way, and maybe also contact the fire brigade. You need reassurance nothing like this will happen again really. They will shame the neighbour into not allowing it hopefully.

No the cannister wasn't IN the fire. It was probably about 6 ft away originally now 8ft - 10 ft but the fire is no longer burning, just smouldering

You should still report it. He could start another fire anytime. The fact that he had a fire going with these bottles nearby is enough to warrant reporting, whether or no it’s still burning.
Gas bottles can and do explode even when “empty” because there is residual gas inside the bottle even when nothing much comes out when you open the valve. They can then become missiles. The FB would definitely want a word with him. Even if he denies it to them, he’ll have heard their warning.

This is the only time I agree with capital letters on here. Phone the Fire Brigade NOW op. You realise that's half your street gone if they go up?

I remember this episode of london's Burning from 1994!

The idiots that started the fire at your neighbours need a good shake by a burly fireman!

%3D

Yes, really don't mess about with this, it's worth a call to the non-emergency number at the very least.

I would call the fire brigade for advice, to be on the safe side. That is insane.

@BigBlueTeapot the canister needs to be cooled down by hosing it. a garden hose will do. I would not be allowing them to have another fire there. the men seem to be couldnt care less!

Gas canister or not thats completely irresponsible, report this ffs

Op report to council as well you are only allowed to burn certain things