Fire crews tackle warehouse blaze

Jonathan McGrady's picture shows how close the fire was to the substation

Firefighters are damping down after a large blaze broke out at a warehouse.

Ten fire appliances and about 70 firefighters attended the scene at Asfordby Storage and Haulage in Saxby Road, Melton Mowbray during the night.

An aerial ladder is still being used to pour two jets of water on the fire and firefighters have also been working to cool down an acetylene cylinder.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said no-one was injured in the blaze and the area had been evacuated.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 2158 BST on Thursday.

Popping cans

A safety cordon was put up around the area and a BBC journalist at the scene reported large plumes of smoke rising from the fire and an acrid smell in the air.

The incident commander has requested that all residents of Melton keep their doors and windows closed whilst the smoke disperses.

Helen Astle, of BBC Radio Leicestershire, said ash from the blaze at Unit One of Asfordby Storage and Haulage had been falling on the town and one eyewitness spoke of seeing flames 60ft (18m) high.

It is understood about 90 people work at the warehouse where Mars products are repackaged.

These products include tinned dog and cat food.

John Elliott took this picture near the safety cordon

Fire Officer Dave Glenis said at one stage they could hear the "popping" of the food cans as they exploded in the heat.

He added that their "greatest fear" had been the proximity of an electricity substation supplying Melton Mowbray and Oakham in Rutland, which they considered shutting down as the fire drew close to it.

But he added that thankfully the wind was on their side and drew the flames away from the substation.

About 60 per cent of the building is thought to have been destroyed in the fire.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said "good progress was being made" in tackling the blaze.