An exclusion zone has been thrown up around a major fire on an industrial estate on South Tyneside.
More than 50 firefighters are tackling a major blaze which is being fanned by high winds at the Devlins Quay on the Wagonway Industrial Estate, Hebburn.
A fire brigade spokesman said the blaze had broken in cabins containing tyres and gas cylinders at about 3.30pm.
A Tyne and Wear fireboat and another vessel were called in to help contain the blaze which spread under a jetty.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "The fire is being fanned by high winds and has spread under a jetty and it is extremely difficult to it from that position.
"We have drafted in the Tyne and Wear fireboat and a tug and are using a video downloaded from a police helicopter to see how the fire is spreading.
"The problem is that gas cylinders are involved which are in danger of exploding - hence the exclusion zone."
No houses have been affected and only the surrounding factories have been evacuated.
It is not yet known how the fire started.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article