Firefighters have been attending a large blaze at the docks area in Belfast for almost five hours.
More than 50 firefighters remain at the scene on East Twin Road on Tuesday evening.
The fire started at Clearway Disposals and Belfast Live understands it will go on for some time given the nature of the burning scrap metal.
Flames reached scorching temperatures earlier today as the Belfast public saw plumes of black smoke take over the city's sky.
There are six pump appliances in attendance as well as five additional specialist appliances.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service told Belfast Live: "Because it is scrap metal, and that burns for a while, once it gets going it can be difficult enough to put out. It burns at quite hot temperatures and sustains a long, hot burn.
"People in general, please stay out of the smoke plume, close your windows and doors. Avoid that area because there is one road in and one road out."
A PSNI appeal read: "Police are currently in attendance as Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are dealing with a fire at waste ground in the Queen's Road area of Belfast Harbour Estate.
"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and anyone living nearby is asked to keep their windows closed."
For live updates on this developing story, follow our live blog here.
Video footage from Adrian Huston
