A 200 metre cordon has been placed around an waste recycling plant after a massive fire broke out.
More than 70 firefighters attended the blaze at Hartlepool Fabrications, on Greythorpe Industrial Estate, shortly after 9.15pm last night.
Although the fire has not produced any toxic fumes residents living on Seaton Lane and Brenda Road have been asked to keep their doors and windows shut due to the dense smoke.
It is believe it will be at least 12 hours before investigations into the cause of the fire can take place.
Tees Road will be closed between Billingham Fire Station and Hartlepool Power Station until the fire is under control.
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