Witnesses described hearing a "huge explosion" today after a fire broke out at a Middlesbrough scrapyard.
Six fire engines scrambled to the scene of the blaze, which broke out near Middlesbrough College in Middlehaven around 3pm on Monday.
Footage showed thick black plumes of smoke billowing into the sky from the building.
The Cleveland Fire Brigade advised people to avoid the area, to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.
One witness wrote: "Huge scrap yard fire near the Transporter Bridge in #middlesbrough black smoke filling the air over the town centre and beyond."
In a statement, the brigade said: “We are currently dealing with an ongoing incident at a scrapyard in Middlesbrough
“If you're in the area, or downwind of the incident, if possible stay indoors & keep windows/doors closed as there's a large amount of smoke.”
Photos and video emerged on social media showing flames coming from the yard and billowing black smoke over the city.
One showed a crowd of people standing near the fence line of the scrapyard watching the flames as popping sounds can be heard.
The person who posted the footage said: That popping isn't anyone that's the fire. There is also explosions happening.
“The MC6 building in Middlesbrough college was just evacuated.”
Another posted dashcam footage of the smoke, writing: “Fire in a Scrap Yard , slow moving traffic, several roads around area closed.”
Firefighters remained at the scene at 6pm.
