Beijing firemen pull burning gas cylinders from building to prevent explosion near homes

Firemen in Beijing had to pull burning gas cylinders out of a blazing market stall to prevent an explosion, according to a newspaper report.

The fire was at a fruit and vegetable stall in the Dongcheng district in the city centre, the Beijing Times reported.

More than 60 firefighters and 11 fire trucks were called to tackle the blaze on Tuesday evening, according to the article.

Two gas cannisters were found burning inside and had to be hauled out to prevent an explosion.

Fire team leaders Feng Weiqun and Mao Xumin entered the burning building to grab the cylinders and bring them to an open area nearby, the report said.

The cylinders were then hosed down to cool them. The nearest homes were about 10 metres away.