A major incident is unfolding in Gloucestershire after a fierce fire broke out on an industrial estate, sending a towering plume of toxic black smoke billowing across the county.
Emergency crews were scrambled to the scene on Moreton Valence Industrial Estate, near Gloucester, after the alarm was raised on Thursday afternoon. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames and dense smoke pouring from a commercial unit, with the inferno quickly taking hold.
Major Multi-Service Response
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has deployed a significant number of resources to tackle the blaze. Multiple fire engines, along with a high-volume pump and a water bowser, are on site as crews work tirelessly to bring the flames under control.
Police have also closed roads in the immediate vicinity to allow the emergency operation to proceed safely and without obstruction. The scale of the response underscores the severity of the incident.
Public Health Warning Issued
Authorities have issued an urgent warning to local residents in the wake of the fire. The thick, black smoke emanating from the site is potentially hazardous.
The public is strongly advised to:
- Avoid the area entirely to allow emergency services access.
- Keep all windows and doors closed if they can see or smell the smoke.
- Seek medical advice if they experience any adverse effects from the smoke, such as breathing difficulties.
The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, and an investigation will likely commence once the flames are fully extinguished.
