Fire crews tackle warehouse blaze

Scene of fire (pic courtesy of Fiona Stafford)

Fire crews have been tackling a major blaze at a warehouse in Northumberland.

The fire broke out at Randstad Ltd, a car part wholesaler, on the Nelson Park Industrial Estate in Crowhall Lane, Cramlington on Friday afternoon.

Six appliances, including an aerial ladder, were at the scene as thick black smoke drifted over the area.

Eye-witnesses said that at one time flames were shooting out of the roof, and a number of small explosions could be heard.

A spokesman for the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service said that these were caused by small gas canisters and residents should not be alarmed.

Premises nearby were evacuated as a precaution and the smoke led to the closure of the nearby A1171.

The cause of the fire is being investigated but early indications are that it was the result of an electrical fault.