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Newcastle scrapyard fire prompts evacuations | Newcastle scrapyard fire prompts evacuations |
(about 2 hours later) | |
More than 70 firefighters are tackling a major blaze at a scrapyard in Newcastle. | |
A number of explosions were reported coming from the facility in Albion Row, in the Byker area of the city. | A number of explosions were reported coming from the facility in Albion Row, in the Byker area of the city. |
Smoke from the blaze could be seen across the city and as far away as Hartlepool, about 30 miles away. | Smoke from the blaze could be seen across the city and as far away as Hartlepool, about 30 miles away. |
The fire service said it was bringing the blaze under control but warned those nearby to stay indoors. | |
Some surrounding roads were closed to traffic to allow emergency crews access to the scene. | Some surrounding roads were closed to traffic to allow emergency crews access to the scene. |
Michael Potts, from the Free Trade pub in Byker, said he heard a number of explosions when the fire began. | Michael Potts, from the Free Trade pub in Byker, said he heard a number of explosions when the fire began. |
He said: "We heard several bangs and then saw a lot of smoke." | He said: "We heard several bangs and then saw a lot of smoke." |
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "At this moment in time there is no immediate danger to the public. | |
"However, as a precaution we would advise people in the area to keep their doors and windows shut." | |
He said firefighters were using equipment which could pump out 8,000 litres of water a minute over a distance of 3 km. | |
Mr Capeling added: "The pump is designed to be used at large-scale fires and is currently using water from the local area and the River Tyne. | |
"The fire and rescue service expects fire crews to be at the scene into the night." | |
A spokesman said this was likely to result in severe traffic delays along Newcastle Quayside, City Road, Shields Road and Byker Bridge. | A spokesman said this was likely to result in severe traffic delays along Newcastle Quayside, City Road, Shields Road and Byker Bridge. |
Gill Gosling, from Whitley Bay said: "It looked dramatic. I've worked in Bradford and I've seen mill fires and this was very dramatic. | Gill Gosling, from Whitley Bay said: "It looked dramatic. I've worked in Bradford and I've seen mill fires and this was very dramatic. |
"Big, black billowing smoke. It started with a very dramatic fire itself. Huge flames. And it was just before noon when we noticed it. | "Big, black billowing smoke. It started with a very dramatic fire itself. Huge flames. And it was just before noon when we noticed it. |
"I have never seen black smoke like it." | "I have never seen black smoke like it." |
Mother-of-two Kath Lowe, 35, of Heaton, was helping tend the allotments at Hotspur Primary School on nearby Mowbray Street in Newcastle when the fire began. | Mother-of-two Kath Lowe, 35, of Heaton, was helping tend the allotments at Hotspur Primary School on nearby Mowbray Street in Newcastle when the fire began. |
She said: "We were outside with all the kids when suddenly the sky began to fill with black smoke. | She said: "We were outside with all the kids when suddenly the sky began to fill with black smoke. |
"We were watching it pouring upwards when the wind changed direction and the plume began to billow towards the playground. | "We were watching it pouring upwards when the wind changed direction and the plume began to billow towards the playground. |
"We had to get all the kids indoors. the amount of smoke was incredible, and pitch black. It was like the hellmouth had opened." | "We had to get all the kids indoors. the amount of smoke was incredible, and pitch black. It was like the hellmouth had opened." |
Sian Thomas, of Byker said: "I could see the smoke all the way from town. It's just looks apocalyptic. It's quite scary." |