THE blaze which engulfed Exmouth's R and R Motors, in Victoria Way, has been brought under control by firefighters.

THE blaze which engulfed Exmouth's R and R Motors, in Victoria Way, has been brought under control by firefighters.

The fire service said it expects to begin reducing the police cordon around the area from 6pm.

And many hundreds of people living nearby, evacuated from the area since lunchtime, will be allowed back into their homes.

Langerwehe Way, which runs parallel to the garage, will remain closed for 24 hours, the fire service said.

The garage will be monitored throughout the night by firefighters.

Firefighters will use thermal imaging cameras in their battle to keep the fire under control.

The fire service said no one has been hurt in the blaze.

Exmouth was brought to a standstill as horrified onlookers watched in disbelief as huge plumes of acrid black smoke billowed above the town.

Explosions could be heard when acetylene and gas cylinders inside the garage began exploding, sending flames and smoke into the sky.

Fire crews took water from nearby hydrants around the Victoria Way area and kept hoses trained on the garage in their attempt to douse the flames.