London, June 17: A town was engulfed in smoke and 150 people were evacuated from their homes today after a major fire in an industrial packaging site.
At least 75 firefighters were tackling the blaze at the Skymark plant on Southern Avenue in Leominster, Herefordshire, and a plume of black smoke developed above the town.
A 400-metre cordon was set up around the site and 150 neighbouring residents were evacuated to a nearby sports centre.
Fire crews advised other people whose homes were caught up in the smoke to remain indoors with windows shut until conditions improved.
There were a number of explosions after emergency services were called at 3.30am
A spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service could not say whether the “minor bangs” had been caused by butane canisters known to be at the site.
The spokesman said: “There were a number of butane gas cylinders in the premises and if they go off it is like an uncontrolled Exocet missile.
“We are tackling the fire externally and we certainly haven’t sent any fire crews inside yet because of the clear dangers.”
No-one was thought to have been hurt in the blaze.
A plume of black smoke rose up above the factory, which stores paints and plastics.
Fire crews identified one chemical involved as isocyanate, which is commonly used in vehicle paint and can cause asthma.
It is not yet known what started the fire.
Environment Agency chemical experts were at the scene and officers from the Met Office were helping with tracking wind direction as the chemical cloud drifted over Leominster.
The fire service spokesman added: “There are a minimum of 85 firefighters at the scene and a very considerable number will be here all day and into the night.”
A Hazardous Area Response Team (Hart) was dispatched and deployed with oxygen cylinders, a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said.
He added: “The concern relates to the smoke coming from the fire.
“A number of people have been taken to the leisure centre in Bridge Street. Ambulance crews helped to evacuate an elderly wheelchair bound couple and an elderly woman from their homes.
–Agencies