STAFF from a garage in Birkenhead were evacuated following a fire this afternoon.
Four fire crews attended the Merseyside Car Hospital in Russell Street just after 1pm, following reports that the engine on a machine which is used to dry newly-painted cars had caught fire.
Workers had tried to put the flames out, but they spread.
One of the mechanics, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Globe: "We thought the fire was out, but it started up again and so we all just ran out of the fire exit."
The fire was soon extinguished and crews from Birkenhead and Wallasey spent time damping down the smoke-damaged building.
Nearby resident Penny Dillon told the Globe: "I didn't know what was going on until I came out of my house to get the wheelie bin and saw smoke billowing out of the door and roof.
"It was a scary time and could have been a lot worse, because the whole building could have blown up."
An investigation is now underway to establish the cause of the fire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article