Washington fire live: 'Explosions' at factory as 'close windows' warning issued

Emergency services responded to a major factory fire in Washington, Tyne and Wear, after reports of “several explosions” and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The incident occurred at the Crowther Industrial Estate, prompting authorities to issue warnings for residents to close their windows and avoid the area. Witnesses described seeing smoke visible for miles and feeling their homes shake as the fire raged. The fire broke out around mid-afternoon, according to local reports. Multiple eyewitnesses shared accounts of hearing loud explosions and witnessing dense smoke rising from the factory. One resident, who could see the smoke from their bedroom window, reported hearing “several explosions and loud bangs.” They noted that although they couldn’t see the flames directly, the amount of smoke appeared to be increasing rapidly. Another witness, driving along the A19, described the smoke as visible for miles, expressing concern for the safety of those nearby. Northumbria Police confirmed that officers were present at the scene to assist emergency responders. A cordon was initially established, later expanded to ensure public safety. The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service deployed five fire appliances and an aerial ladder platform to tackle the blaze. The fire service also advised members of the public to stay away from the area and keep their windows and doors closed to minimize exposure to harmful fumes. Residents in surrounding areas reported feeling their houses shake as the fire intensified. A woman on Facebook wrote that she “actually felt the house shake when it happened,” while others noted that the smoke was visible even from distant locations such as Durham. Despite these concerns, many expressed hope that no one had been injured in the incident. Comments on social media included messages like “I hope no one has been hurt” and “Stay safe all fire crews.” The fire service confirmed that the blaze remained active and ongoing, with heavy smoke continuing to rise from the factory. Images captured by local media showed thick plumes of black smoke engulfing the skyline, with firefighters working tirelessly to bring the situation under control. The scale of the fire prompted a high volume of calls from concerned citizens, particularly from those living near the A19, A194, and Sunderland Highway, where the smoke was most noticeable. As of the latest update, no official information has been released regarding potential casualties or the cause of the fire. Emergency personnel continue to operate at the scene, with police maintaining the cordon and monitoring the situation closely. Authorities have not yet commented on whether the factory’s operations contributed to the fire or if any hazardous materials were involved. Further updates are expected as investigations unfold and conditions remain under observation.