A large team of firefighters spent hours tackling a huge fire yesterday evening amidst reports of "explosions."
At 8.20pm a blaze broke out at Wrightway Car Parts in the village of West Boldon, north of Sunderland.
As emergency services starting fighting back the flames nearby roads, neighbouring properties and local pub The Red Lion were evacuated, Chronicle Live reported .
Larges plumes of smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from several miles away.
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Several reports of explosions were made by people close to the scene, including a large bang at around 9.30pm.
Emma Craig, 42, said: “I live nearby and the explosion sounded like a bomb going off. It was really awful..
“It’s a local business which been here for years and it’s heartbreaking for the people who’ve been evacuated.”
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It is believed the garage is used for the storage of gas cylinders.
Nine fire service vehicles were sent to the scene, including an aerial platform.
A drone was also spotted scoping out the fire from above.
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Residents have been advised to close their windows and doors and to stay away from the area.
Police set up a cordon about 100 metres from the garage to keep people away.
Thick black smoke filled the village and people who live and work in the surrounding area are being advised to keep all windows and doors.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service say nobody is believed to have been injured in the fire.
