Leamington Spa fire: suspected chemical blaze engulfs factory in UK town

Fire prompts evacuation of surrounding properties

Local residents watch as fire engulfs an industrial site in Leamington Spa, England. AP Photo

A large plume of smoke rises from a blaze at an industrial estate in Leamington Spa. AP Photo

The fire prompted the evacuation of surrounding properties as it is feared the blaze may involve chemicals. AP Photo

A fire engulfs an industrial premises in Leamington Spa, England, Thursday Aug. 27, 2021. The fire is prompting the evacuation of surrounding properties, fearing the blaze may involve chemicals. (Jacob King / PA via AP)

Emergency services attend the scene in Leamington Spa as fire rages in the background. AP Photo

Local residents gather and look on in Leamington Spa. AP Photo

Firefighters in Leamington Spa, central England, were on Friday tackling a huge blaze which engulfed an industrial plant in the town, prompting road closures and the evacuation of surrounding properties.

Explosions and the stench of chemicals have been reported, although Warwickshire Police said it was too early to determine whether there were any casualties.

As an additional precaution, people living within 70 metres of the site were urged to shut doors and windows by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Local resident Mike Brown tweeted a video of the huge plumes of thick, black smoke.

Labour Member of Parliament for the spa town, Matt Western, said the fire may involve chemicals from a plastics business unit.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it had two paramedic officers and a Hazardous Area Response Team at the scene.