Video: Ryan Morris caught the moment the fire took hold on camera
Six fire crews have been called to tackle a large factory fire in New Basford which sent a plume of smoke floating over Nottingham.
The blaze on High Church Street started at around 7.30am and engulfed a clothing factory.
More than 50 people have been evacuated from homes close to the fire but as yet no-one is believed to have been seriously hurt.
Notts Police say two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Road closures are in place in Duke Street, High Church Street, Wycliffe Street, Gawthorne Street, Northgate and Mount Street.
Several people living near the fire caught the moment it took hold on video, with pictures showing fierce flames 50 feet high and a tower of smoke.
@BBCNottingham @Nottingham_Post fire in #basford industrial estate #nottingham this morning pic.twitter.com/z3jQFoHGov
— Lil Nett from the 65 (@Courtnettt) July 8, 2016
One man living close by said: “It’s a bad situation – there was intense heat and very black smoke. I know they are clothing factories.”
Another man said: “I was coming out to work at about a quarter past seven and heard a lot of bangs. At first I thought it was Eid celebrations or fireworks.
“Then I saw the smoke and there were bits of debris raining down over my house, they told us to keep out of the smoke and stay indoors. Thankfully my house is secure at the moment.”
Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and people living nearby are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed.
Those evacuated have been taken to Forest Fields Community Centre while six crews from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service get the fire under control.
Notts Fire and Rescue Service’s Group Manager Jo Wooler-Ward, who is at the scene, said: “This is a severe fire which has left a building of approximately 40 metres by 40 metres severely damaged and structurally unsafe.
“For this reason, our crews have not been able to enter the building and are having to fight the fire from outside.
“The direction of the wind has also presented some challenges to the fire-fighting operation. We are working with Nottingham City Council’s Emergency Planning Team, Nottinghamshire Police and the utility companies to bring the situation under control and to update local people as to when they might return to their homes.
“I’d like to thank local people for their patience and understanding as we deal with the incident. In the meantime, anyone living locally is asked to keep their doors and windows closed and to avoid the area if possible due to a number of roads being closed.”
