Shoppers were evacuated after a large fire broke out at a B&M discount store in York.
Footage of the blaze on social media showed thick smoke billowing from the building at the Clifton Moor retail park on Saturday afternoon.
North Yorkshire Police declared a “major incident” as it tweeted: “All emergency services on scene at a large fire at B&M Store ... Please avoid the area.”
Residents in the area were advised to stay indoors and close all windows because the smoke may be toxic.
The A1237 was closed between Wigginton and Clifton Moor after the drifting black clouds made driving conditions hazardous.
“The area around the store has been evacuated and the A1237 ring road between Wigginton roundabout and the Tesco roundabout is currently closed to allow emergency services to attend the scene,” North Yorkshire Police said in a statement.
“Smoke is drifting across the A1237 road and causing hazardous conditions. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.”
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said paramedics attended the scene as a precaution but confirmed that nobody required treatment in hospital.
Police said the blaze broke out in the building’s storage yard at around 4.30pm.
Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs as the fire spread to the whole building.
Footage posted on social media showed several fire crews responding to the incident and pumping water on to the blaze.
North Yorkshire Fire Service said ten fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms, two water bowsers and a high volume pump were sent to the scene.
One shopper told the Yorks Press described the as smoke as “acrid”, adding: “It’s disgusting. It looks like a volcano, there are massive plumes of smoke that suddenly shoot out.”
Police also warned residents in the nearby areas of Haxby, Wigginton and Strensall to close their doors and windows.
Additional reporting by PA
