Firefighters are battling a large blaze which has broken out at a warehouse in Melton Mowbray.
Firefighters are battling a large blaze which has broken out at a warehouse.
Ten fire appliances and about 70 firefighters are at the scene at Asfordby Storage in Saxby Road.
Ten fire appliances and about 70 firefighters are at the scene at Asfordby Storage and Haulage in Saxby Road, Melton Mowbray.
An aerial ladder is being used to pour six jets of water on the fire and firefighters are also working to cool down an acetylene cylinder.
An aerial ladder is being used to pour seven jets of water on the fire and firefighters are also working to cool down an acetylene cylinder.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said no-one has been injured and that a full evacuation has taken place.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said no-one has been injured and that a full evacuation has taken place.
John Elliott took this picture near the safety cordon
A large safety cordon has been put up around the area and a BBC journalist at the scene reported large plumes of smoke rising from the fire and an acrid smell in the air.
Helen Astle of BBC Radio Leicestershire also said ash from the blaze at Unit One of Asfordby Storage had been falling on the town and one eyewitness spoke of seeing flames 60ft (18m) high.
It is understood about 90 people work at the warehouse where Mars products are repackaged.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 2158 BST on Thursday.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 2158 BST on Thursday.
Popping cansA large safety cordon has been put up around the area and a BBC journalist at the scene reported large plumes of smoke rising from the fire and an acrid smell in the air.
Helen Astle of BBC Radio Leicestershire also said ash from the blaze at Unit One of Asfordby Storage and Haulage had been falling on the town and one eyewitness spoke of seeing flames 60ft (18m) high. It is understood about 90 people work at the warehouse where Mars products are repackaged.
These products include tinned dog and cat food.
John Elliott took this picture near the safety cordon
Fire Officer Dave Glenis said at one stage they could hear the "popping" of the food cans as they exploded in the heat.
He added that their "greatest fear" had been the proximity of an electricity substation supplying Melton Mowbray and Oakham in Rutland, which they considered shutting down as the fire drew close to it.
But he added that thankfully the wind was on their side and drew the flames away from the substation.
About 60 percent of the building is thought to have been destroyed in the fire.
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said "good progress was being made" in tackling the blaze.
Are you in the area? What did you see? Send us your comments using the form below.
Are you in the area? What did you see? Send us your comments using the form below.
