Firefighters tackle large factory fire in Washington

Emergency services were called to Crowther Industrial Estate on Friday afternoon, where flames and large plumes of smoke could be seen from miles away.

Five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were sent to the scene as crews worked to bring the blaze under control.

Firefighters extinguishing the flames (Image: Ryan Atkinson/CAMERA CLUB)

Pictures taken by Northern Echo Camera Club member Ryan Atkinson show smoke filling the sky above the industrial estate as firefighters tackled the incident.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said it received a high volume of calls because the smoke could be seen from the A1, A194(M) and Sunderland Highway.

Residents and motorists were urged to avoid the area, while people living nearby were advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

Emergency services at the scene of yesterday’s fire (Image: Ryan Atkinson/CAMERA CLUB)

The smoke was reportedly visible from as far away as Sacriston.

One resident said she felt her home “shake” when the fire broke out.

Writing on social media, she said: “Actually felt the house shake when it happened.”

Another person living nearby said they had been forced to close their windows, while one witness said the smoke could be seen from Durham.

A firefighter and police officer (Image: Ryan Atkinson/CAMERA CLUB)

Northumbria Police officers also attended the scene to support the fire service, with a cordon put in place around the affected area.

A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said at the time: “We have five appliances and an aerial ladder platform in attendance at a factory fire in Crowther Industrial Estate, Washington, Tyne and Wear.”

Fire engines at the scene in Washington (Image: Ryan Atkinson/CAMERA CLUB)

The North East Ambulance Service confirmed it had not treated any patients as a result of the fire, and it is understood there were no serious injuries.

The Northern Echo has contacted Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the North East Ambulance Service for an update.