Panic as thick black smoke blankets UK city – massive asbestos blaze shuts down roads

Up to 12 fire engines were called to the scene after plumes of thick, black smoke were seen billowing into the sky following an incident in Dunkirk, Nottingham. At this stage it is unclear how the fire, off the A52 Clifton Boulevard, started.

In a tweet, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We currently have 12 appliances in attendance at a recycling fire in the Lenton area.

“Smoke can be seen from a distance away so we urge local residents, or anyone who can see or smell smoke, to close doors and windows.

“Abbeyfield Road is currently closed so please avoid the area.”

They continued: “We are likely to be dealing with this incident in Lenton for some time.

“Please avoid the area and shut your doors or windows if you see or smell smoke.

“Due to the scale of this incident and smoke plume the A52 North and South from Clifton Bridge to Dunkirk will be closed.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding as we deal with the fire.”

Notts Police tweeted: “Officers are currently assisting @nottsfire in dealing with this on-going incident.

READ MORE: 60 firefighters tackle blaze after entire house roof set alight

Nottingham Travelwise, the city council’s traffic monitoring site, tweeted to say: “There is a fire ongoing on Queen’s Drive A453 close to the junction with Clifton Boulevard A52 Traffic is not currently affected however please be aware and further updates to follow.”

According to Nottingham Live, a loud explosion was heard roughly an hour ago and there have been concerns over asbestos.

Reporter Joe Locker tweeted: “I’ve been informed by a firefighter there is asbestos in the compound which is burning.

“Urged to stay away.”

Cliff Kirby, a Boots worker who lives in Beeston, sent his drone up for an overhead look.

He said: “The main fire you can see burning through the building. It’s a decent sized fire.

“I could see the smoke from Beeston and I thought it was McIntyre.

“There has been three before around McIntyre.”