At least 50 firefighters are tackling a fire at a factory early this morning as residents said they felt their houses shake after hearing a "popping sound".
Ten crews and specialist officers have been battling the blaze in Redditch, Worcestershire since 5.10am this morning.
Al Jones told the BBC his "whole house shook and the dog started barking" shortly after the fire broke out.
He said: "Then I started hearing a popping sound, it sounded like a gun or a car backfiring."
He added that it had a very "plasticky" smell.
Photos of the scene show thick black smoke rising high into the air near houses as nearby residents have been told to keep their doors and windows closed.
The blaze was said by a witness to be based inside a factory unit. It is unclear what the cause of the fire is.
Factory workers who would have been working at nearby businesses have been told they cannot come to work today.
The fire started in a manufacturing business before spreading to other units involving oxygen and propane cylinders, BBC reports.
Hereford and Worcester Fire Service: "Please keep doors and windows closed if you are within the smoke plume and stay away from the area if possible - Padgetts Lane is closed to traffic. More details as we have them."
North Worcestershire Police tweeted: "We are aware that @HWFireControl are dealing with a significant fire on Padgets Lane #Redditch. Please avoid the area & those nearby should close windows and doors."
West Mercia Police tweeted: "Padgets Lane, Redditch is closed due to a fire at one of the industrial estates! Police crews are joined by @HWFireControl and @WorcsTravel.
"Please remain indoors where able and keep doors and windows shut, to protect against smoke flumes!"
