A MECHANIC was forced to run a gauntlet of flames to escape a blaze and explosion in a garage workshop.

Firefighters said Jason Chadwick was so lucky to escape from the petrol fire that they have invited him to put their lottery ticket on this week.

Jason was draining a diesel van that had been mistakenly filled with petrol when the fuel leaked out and burst into flames.

He escaped unhurt after running through the fire to safety.

The incident at Simpson's Garage, Parker Lane, Burnley, caused extensive damage to the workshop and to the Peugeot van.

Sub-officer Steve Houldsworth said: "He was draining the petrol when it started to spill on to the floor and spread towards a gas fire boiler.

"He realised what was going to happen and crouched in a corner.

"When it went bang, he got out. "I would not have liked to be in his situation.

"He was so lucky to get out unhurt that we suggested he could put our lottery tickets on for us this week.''

He added: "When we got to the garage there was quite a serious fire and the place was heavily smoke-logged.''

Four men in breathing apparatus used a high pressure jet and hose reel to bring the fire under control while a ventilation fan prevented the smoke from spreading to the nearby showroom.

A damage control unit from Accrington cleared water which had run into a store room.

Firefighters were also faced with the danger of acetylene cylinders which were left immersed in water.

Geoff Hartley, dealer principal at the garage, said the fire had caused damage amounting to several thousands of pounds.

He said: "The main thing was that Jason managed to get out and shut the door.

"Although he was shaken by what happened thankfully he was unhurt.''

Mr Hartley added: "We will now have to transfer our work to the main site in Colne.

"When we sent for the fire service there was a fire engine very close by in Centenary Way and they were here within a minute or so.''

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