Emergency services are responding to a major factory fire at Crowther Industrial Estate in Washington, Tyne and Wear, with thick smoke visible across parts of the region and prompting authorities to issue public safety advice.
Multiple fire crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the incident after reports of a large blaze at a factory within the industrial estate. The service confirmed that five fire appliances and an aerial ladder platform are in attendance as firefighters continue working to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring businesses.
The fire has generated a substantial plume of smoke that can be seen from several major roads, including the A1, A194, and the Sunderland Highway. As a result, emergency services have received a high volume of calls from concerned members of the public reporting the visible smoke.
Authorities are urging motorists to avoid the Crowther Industrial Estate area wherever possible while emergency operations remain ongoing. Residents and businesses in the surrounding vicinity have also been advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution against smoke entering nearby properties.
Firefighters remain at the scene using specialist equipment to tackle the blaze, while emergency personnel continue assessing the situation. At this stage, officials have not confirmed the cause of the fire or released information regarding any injuries.
Traffic disruption is expected as emergency vehicles operate in the area and road users are encouraged to follow directions from police and fire crews. Recovery operations and the investigation are expected to continue after the fire has been brought under control.
The exact factory involved has not yet been officially identified. Investigators will begin examining the scene once it is declared safe, with efforts focused on determining how the fire started and assessing the extent of the damage.
Emergency officials continue to ask the public to avoid speculation and rely on updates from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities as the incident develops.
Further information, including the cause of the blaze and any confirmed impact on nearby businesses or residents, is expected to be released once firefighters complete their operations and investigators have had the opportunity to examine the scene.