A FIRE at a removals firm in the centre of a village has been brought under control.

Emergency services including police and fire were still in attendance on Friday morning.

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FIRE: Emergency services at the scene on Friday morning

Fire and rescue crews from Bishop Auckland, Crook and Spennymoor were called to Evenwood just after 1pm on Thursday.

The fire was at the premises of Ramshaw Removals on Swan Street and a number of surrounding properties were without power and water as a result of the incident.

A spokeswoman from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said during yesterday afternoon: "We have several appliances there, including two from Bishop Auckland, one from Crook and one from Spennymoor.

"Four breathing apparatus, two hosereels, two jets and holmatro cutting equipment is in use.

"It appears a large amount of rubbish and two commercial vehicles are involved."

Durham Police closed Swan Street in both directions while they dealt with the incident.

Durham Police said at 9pm on Thursday the fire had been brought under control and a reduced cordon will be in place this morning. 

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A nearby resident said he thought the fire crews had been out at 3am on Thursday morning to put out a fire in a oil drum and had returned at lunch time after the fire began again.

He said he thought it had spread to vehicles and nearby trees.

He added that residents closest to the scene had been evacuated for their own safety.

Staff at nearby Apple hairdressers had been taking in residents.

Peter Hardy, who lives nearby, said: "The flames were right up high. I came back from work after getting a phone call and could see smoke from the A68 at West Auckland."

Writing on Twitter one nearby resident wrote: "The World Cup starts in an hour an this f****** wind is knocking my electric off every 5mins. Evenwood is on lock down cos there's a massive fire. Roads closed. I'm f****** fuming here!"

People in Newholme Crescent, behind the site, said for more than two hours strong winds blew thick, black smoke into their properties.

The heat from the blaze was so strong it melted hanging baskets in the neighbouring street.

A letter is being sent to residents in the area which says: 

'Following yesterday’s fire at Ramshaw Removals in Evenwood, Durham County Council is working with partner agencies to assess the damage and make arrangements to clean up affected areas of land.

A number of properties were evacuated but most households have now been able to return home.

Those who have not been able to go home are in temporary accommodation and we are offering them support.

Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency have confirmed that there was no contamination to the local water supply. We are working with them to continue to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, Public Health England have provided the following advice:

The human nose is very sensitive to odours and often detects chemicals at concentrations which pose no risk to health.

Odours can be unpleasant and may cause headaches of make you feel nauseous or dizzy so if possible try and avoid being outside where the smell is strongest.

Don’t approach the site /spills of diesel and do not touch any objects that may have been contaminated.

Keep your doors and windows closed to avoid odours.

If you have existing health conditions e.g. asthma or chest problems, make sure that you have your medications handy and if you develop symptoms you are concerned about contact NHS 111 or your GP in the usual way.

We appreciate your patience whilst we deal with this incident and we understand that you will want to be kept informed. Further updates will be issued as the situation develops. You may wish to keep an eye on the Council’s Facebook and Twitter for further updates.'

It is understood that residents of about six properties still haven't been able to return to their homes. An announcement about when they might be able to go home is expected on Monday.  

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