Gas cylinders have exploded as firefighters tackle a large blaze on an industrial estate in County Durham.
Six fire engines were called to the South West Industrial Estate in Peterlee , which had to be evacuated when a fire broke out just before 6pm on Thursday.
Police officers have cordoned off the area around Whitehouse Way, close to the A19, and a number of businesses have been evacuated.
Brandon Saiger filmed the fire as it took hold and sent plumes of black smoke into the sky.
He said: "If anyone was wondering what the bang was it was a factory blazing.
"Gas canister just blew up and flew just behind bushes nearly hitting a car."
Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service are still on scene and say they were initially called to a large container on fire as well as a stack of wood and gas bottles.
Gas cylinders have been exploding, leading to parts of the industrial estate being evacuated.
Durham Constabulary has asked people to stay away from the industrial estate while emergency services are on the scene.
A spokesperson said access to the industrial estate was restricted and a cordon remains in place.
Fire crews are using two jets to put out the fire and have also been using a drone to monitor the flames.
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