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Witney fire: Breakers' yard blaze sees homes evacuated | |
(35 minutes later) | |
A large fire involving scrap cars and fuel at a breakers' yard has led to homes being evacuated and roads closed. | |
Around 60 firefighters from Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue are tackling the blaze at T&B Motors in Witney. | |
Plumes of "thick, black, acrid" smoke have been visible over the town since about 10:00 BST. | Plumes of "thick, black, acrid" smoke have been visible over the town since about 10:00 BST. |
Residents have been advised by police to stay indoors and keep all windows and doors closed while the blaze is ongoing. | Residents have been advised by police to stay indoors and keep all windows and doors closed while the blaze is ongoing. |
The fire is now under control but the road will be closed overnight, deputy leader of West Oxfordshire District Council Toby Morris said. | |
He said emergency accommodation was being arranged for residents. | |
More updates on South Live | More updates on South Live |
People asked to leave their homes have been told to gather at Elmfield council offices. | People asked to leave their homes have been told to gather at Elmfield council offices. |
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said West End has been completely closed off, as well as Bridge Street, Wood Green and Hailey Road. | A Thames Valley Police spokesman said West End has been completely closed off, as well as Bridge Street, Wood Green and Hailey Road. |
Farmers Close resident Tony Pearce said: "It's thick, black, acrid smoke. Gas bottles, tyres, the petrol left in the cars, that's all going up. | |
"All the houses up here have been evacuated because of the flames." | "All the houses up here have been evacuated because of the flames." |
A fire service spokesman said 10 appliances were now in attendance from Oxford, Witney, Burford, Wheatley, Deddington, Eynsham and Chipping Norton and multiple jets were in use. | |
"Because of the nature of the premises fuel is involved and there is a large plume of dark smoke." | "Because of the nature of the premises fuel is involved and there is a large plume of dark smoke." |