Tyne and Wear Fire Service has urged locals to keep their windows and doors closed – and warned that emergency services will remain at the scene for “several hours”.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that five fire appliances – including an Aerial Ladder Platform and a High Volume Pump – are in attendance of an ongoing fire at an industrial unit in Birtley.
“Our Control Room received a 999 call at 14:54 hours and the first crew arrived within six minutes.
“Crews have been deployed from Birtley, Swalwell, Washington, Gateshead and Marley Park Community Fire Stations and we expect to be on scene for several hours.
“We are currently working with colleagues at Northumbria Police during this incident.
“Please be mindful of traffic congestion in the area whilst the incident is ongoing and if you live in the area affected by the smoke, keep windows and doors closed.”
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