Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Sophie Finnegan

First footage from the scene of Durham City fire shows plumes of black smoke

Footage from the scene of a fire in Durham city centre has emerged showing plumes of black smoke fill the sky.

Emergency services descended on the new building site at Durham's old passport office on Wednesday afternoon.

The video taken from a vehicle shows plumes of thick black smoke fill the sky as the emergency services deal with the incident.

Go here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East

Eight fire crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service are currently at the scene at the Milburngate development in Durham City.

Firefighters from Durham, Spennymoor, High Handenhold and Newton Aycliffe were sent to the scene just after 2pm.

A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “There are currently eight crews at scene of a fire at the Milburngate development in Durham City.

"We would like to confirm there are no reports of an explosion and our crews are dealing with large fire in the construction site."

One person has been treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

People have been asked to avoid travelling into the city centre.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "Fire crews are currently at the scene of a fire in the Milburngate development in Durham City.

"Milburngate Bridge is currently closed, as are Framwellgate Peth and Crossgate Peth.

"We are asking people to avoid the area and find an alternative route.

"Please follow County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for further updates."

You can follow our live blog on this ongoing incident here for all the latest updates.

For the latest local news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.