Fire crews tackle scrapyard blaze

19 May 2011 Last updated at 16:45 GMT Smoke from the fire was visible about 30 miles away 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.

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.

Lee Herbert took this video of the fire at a scrapyard in Byker, Newcastle, in its early stages.

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."

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."

Smoke was billowing more than 200ft into the air (photo Kev Atkinson)

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.

"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."

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.

"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."

Sian Thomas, of Byker said: "I could see the smoke all the way from town. It's just looks apocalyptic. It's quite scary."

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