Blasts heard as crews battle industrial unit fire

Explosions have been heard and a huge plume of smoke can be seen at the scene of a large fire at an industrial unit.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the site on Emery Road in the Brislington area of Bristol at 14:27 BST. Firefighters from nine different stations across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are at the scene.

The BBC understands the roof of the building on fire has collapsed, though the blaze is thought to be under control.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We are asking residents and local businesses to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible."

James Mizen, who owns a business next door to where the fire broke out, said the fire service was there quickly.

"Within a few minutes, there were several fire engines," he said.

"[There was] lots and lots of black smoke, a couple of explosions.

"Within 10 minutes we were evacuated, and we've been here [on the street] for the last hour and a half."

The fire service expects to be on the scene into the night, the BBC understands.

Meanwhile a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said they are also on the scene to assist.

"A 200m cordon is in place, and officers are currently evacuating the area around warehouse," the spokesperson said.

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