Car enthusiast loses two classic vehicles

11:48am Tuesday 9th January 2007

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A CAR enthusiast who escaped a fireball which destroyed his garage and cars says "lessons have been learnt".

Derek Brimm was working on his son's reclaimed classic Mini just before the accident at his home in Acacia Way, Sidcup.

After draining petrol from the Mini's tank, the 58-year-old fitted a shut-off tap to its fuel system but moments later he was surrounded by flames.

The mechanic of 30 years said: "I accidently kicked the pot of fuel towards a small heater. It ignited and the rest is history.

"It was a massive fireball. I burnt my hands and part of my face trying to open the up-and-over door behind the Mini."

After escaping, Mr Brimm returned to the burning garage to get his garden hose to douse the flames.

He added: "It sounds stupid. I was running on adrenaline, but there was so much smoke I dashed back out."

"It took about five minutes for it to go up.

"The left side of the garage melted like rubber."

Mr Brimm's wife Carol, 55, said: "We were just standing there like zombies.

"Our dog, Shadow, was on his lead and our son Joe was out with no shoes on. It was just like being in a film."

Mr Brimm had his injuries treated at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

As well as the Mini the father-of-one lost his 35-year-old Jaguar E-Type, which was worth an estimated £15,000.

The Mini was bought just over a year ago for 17-year-old Joe, who is due to take his driving test next month.

Mr Brimm continued: "I feel sick thinking about it.

"We were about a fortnight away from finishing it."

The E-Type and the garage were insured but the family will not receive compensation for the Mini, which was uninsured as it was not ready for the road.

Mr Brimm added: "I feel lucky and unlucky, it depends on how you look at it.

"Cars are my hobby. In 30 years nothing like this has happened but on January 1 I was unlucky. Lessons have been learnt."

Sidcup fire station Red Watch manager Chris Pointer said: "This was an accident but people doing work in their garages must be careful.

"It is not petrol which ignites, it is the vapours.

"You need to keep naked flames or heat sources as far away as possible."