Several fire crews have been called to the scene of a large fire in near to a retail park in Nottinghamshire, where houses nearby were evacuated.
Around six fire engines, a welfare unit and a command unit were called to the scene in Northgate, Newark on Trent, where huge plumes of black smoke were seen billowing into the sky above from as far as the A46 and the A1 roads.
Images and footage shared online shows smoke fumes above one of the premises in Northgate Retail Park, which is home to big brands such as Next, Boots, Peacocks, B&M and Home Bargains.
One image shared online shows the smoke in the sky from as far away as Carlton on Trent, over 10 miles away.
It is believed that the fire took hold in a recycling plant behind the retail park.
People living near to the area have said they were evacuated from their homes as a safety precaution.
Around six fire engines, a welfare unit and a command unit were called to the scene in Northgate, Newark on Trent
Homes near to the large fire were evacuated as a precaution, according to residents
Footage of plumes of smoke and ash was filmed on an estate near to the site of the blaze
Matt, 34, who lives directly opposite the site, filmed terrifying footage of ash falling onto the estate, and said the fire was so intense that the heat could be felt from hundreds of yards away.
‘I was in my house on the first floor and I heard a large bang, so large I thought something had happened in the loft’, he said. ‘The house shook.
‘I went to check the loft and it was fine and then I thought something might have hit the house, but there was nothing outside. I played it off as a neighbour dropping something.
‘Then the police knocked on the door and told us to evacuate as they were not sure what was on the site. That’s when I saw all the ash falling from the sky and saw the fire.
‘I started filming and you could feel the heat from as far away as I was’.
He added that there have been ‘small fires’ at the site previously but that this blaze has been by far the largest.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it had been called to the scene at around 15:00 on social media, and asked people to avoid the area, and keep windows and doors closed.
According to Nottinghamshire Police, officers were called to the scene to assist. No road closures are currently in place.
Train services have not be impacted by the blaze, despite its proximity to the Nottingham-Lincoln railway line and nearby stations
Train services have not be impacted by the blaze, despite its proximity to the Nottingham-Lincoln railway line and nearby stations.
A spokesperson said: ‘We had a call from the fire service alerting us to a lineside fire beside the railway. As a precaution one train passed through at a slower speed due to smoke but by 14:51 the line was cleared for trains to run normally with no impact on visibility for drivers.
‘With minimal knock-on changes to normal train times people are advised to double check National Rail Enquiries before they set off on their journey.’
The fire service has confirmed the blaze is being dampened down, but that crews are likely to remain in the area throughout the night.
‘Six fire engines plus the command unit and welfare unit remain on scene in Newark’, a statement read.
‘The fire is being dampened down, but we will likely be in attendance into the night. Please continue to avoid the area.’