Fire in Leeson Polyurethanes Leamington - apocalyptic scenes with huge clouds of black smoke and "explosions"

Residents and businesses nearby have been urged by police to keep all windows and doors closed while firefighters deal with the incident, which has sickened people in the street

Olivia Miller Olivia Miller
Aug 27, 2021 - 13:18 Updated: Aug 27, 2021 - 14:05
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Fire in Leeson Polyurethanes Leamington - apocalyptic scenes with huge clouds of black smoke and "explosions"
Fire in Polyurethanes Leamington

A major fire has broken out in Leamington Spa, sending towering clouds of black smoke into the sky and reportedly causing nausea among residents.

Dramatic footage shows smoke rising from behind an Argos building in the town center, and the scenes are described as "apocalyptic."

Residents and businesses nearby have been told by police to keep all windows and doors closed while firefighters deal with the incident, which residents say is causing nausea.

Residents are being evacuated from the area, and those within 70 meters of the fire are being asked to keep windows and doors closed.

A clip posted on social media apparently shows loud bangs in the background, as residents claim to have heard explosions from the scene of the fire. Kimberley Harris tweeted that "the explosions rattled our windows repeatedly."

Fire in Leeson Polyurethanes Leamington - apocalyptic scenes with huge clouds of black smoke and

Emergency responders, including ambulance, arrived at an industrial site on Juno Drive in Leamington.

Residents and businesses nearby have been told by police to keep all windows and doors closed while firefighters deal with the incident.

A spokesman for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “WFRS crews are currently attending a fire at an industrial building on Juno Drive, Leamington Spa.

“Homes in the area are currently being evacuated. If you live within 70 yards of the site, please keep windows and doors closed.”

Monika Plaha tweeted, “Thick smoke from a fire in parts of Leamington Spa. My family just heard a series of explosions. Many residents are being evacuated from their homes.”

Timo Burbidge tweeted, “There is some sort of ongoing fire towards Leamington Spa train station. The plume of smoke is absolutely enormous. It's very apocalyptic.”

Another woman said she had been told the smoke was toxic.

Shehnaz Khan tweeted, “Massive fire in Leamington Spa right now. I've been told the smoke is toxic — close your windows if you're in the area! Hope everyone is ok!”

One person reported seeing black smoke billowing from City Hall.

Johnathan Branson tweeted, “Massive fire in Leamington! Hope everyone is ok. View from town hall.”

Paul Evans wrote: “Leamington fire. Drove past and people have their heads in their hands and are sick etc. An ambulance has just arrived. Grim.”

A spokesman for Warwickshire Fire Service said, “We have several appliances on scene.

“The location is Juno Drive, and it is an industrial/commercial fire.

Leeson-Polyurethanes-Leamington

“We will keep you updated as we receive information from the fire department, who are dealing with this incident.

The cause of the fire is still unclear.

“A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with a fire at a building in Juno Drive, Leamington.

“Roads are currently closed. Please keep windows and doors closed. Further information will be released as it becomes available.”

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