LOCALS are being evacuated from their Leamington Spa homes after a series of explosions rocked the town.
Residents have snapped shocking images of black smoke billowing from a warehouse at an industrial estate - amid claims the toxic plume has made some vomit.
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Residents have been told to stay indoors as the fire continues to burn through the industrial building Credit: PA 7
Locals have been evacuated from their homes following the massive fire Credit: @DanDonnelly2012/twitter 7
The inferno can be seen over rooftops Credit: PA 7
Locals have been told to stay indoors Credit: PA
The air ambulance has been called to the scene, although it's not yet known if anyone was injured.
However, there have been reports of blasts at the site - with some saying the explosions were so strong they rattled the windows.
And residents say the sky "is dark with smoke and ash" as the apocalyptic-like smoke plumes move across Leamington and the surrounding areas.
Thick plumes of black smoke could also be seen billowing into the sky near to the centre of the historic market town.
One Twitter user snapped photos of a flake of ash that had fallen beside her on a bench 11 miles away.
Meanwhile, police are evacuating those living nearest the blaze and warning overs to stay indoors with their windows shut.
Firefighters say members of the public must keep at least 100 metres away.
The fire, which erupted near Leamington Spa's Rosalind Franklin Covid "mega-testing" lab, has not caused issues with the health laboratory.
A health source told The Sun: "The fire was at a nearby timber yard. There are no issues to the lab."
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Eyewitnesses are reporting several people being sick following the outbreak of the fire - as there are unconfirmed reports of the smoke being toxic.
Matt Western, Warwick and Leamington's MP, said that the fire and fumes may "involve chemicals" from the nearby plastics businesses.
One local who witnesses the huge fire tweeted: "Massive fire in Leamington! Hope everyone is ok."
Another said: "Drove past and people have their heads in their hand and being sick. Air ambulance just arrived. Grim."
And a third said the "huge fire" was "getting bigger by the minute."
She added: "Helicopters circling and hearing explosions now. Praying nobody is hurt."
'SKY TURNS BLACK WITH ASH'
Video shot near the scene shows thick smoke pouring into the sky.
One social media user who posted a photo said the fire is "apocalyptic".
Public Health West Mids has issued advice to residents as the fire continues to burn through the industrial site.
Officials say: "People in areas affected by smoke from the fire should stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed and check the local radio for advice.
"Motorists should keep their windows closed, turn on air con and keep air vents closed."
Public Health West Midlands are also advising local residents to limit their time outdoors in the area as smoke and ash fill the air.
They added: "Substances in smoke can worsen health problems like asthma & heart conditions so people should carry their medication if near the fire in Leamington Spa.
"Smoke can irritate airways/skin/eyes & cause coughing/wheezing breathlessness chest pain. Get medical advice if affected."
EXPLOSIONS 'RATTLE WINDOWS'
A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: "Emergency services are currently in attendance at a fire at a premises in Juno Drive, Leamington.
"Road closures are currently in place. Please keep windows and doors closed. Further updates will be posted when available."
Local MP Matt Western said: "Massive fire on Tachbrook Ind Est.
"Extremely serious. Hearing it may involve chemicals from plastics business unit. Please close windows and stay indoors. Will update as I hear more."
West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We received a call from WarksFireRescue to a significant fire on Juno Drive in Leamington Spa at 10.38am this morning.
"We currently have two paramedic officers and Hazardous Area Response Team at the scene.
"If you live within 70 metres of the site, please keep windows and doors closed."
A spokesperson for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: "Crews are currently in attendance at a fire at an industrial premises at Juno Drive, Leamington Spa.
"Properties in the vicinity are being evacuated. If you live within 70 metres of the site, please keep windows and doors closed.
"We are working closely with Warwickshire Police."
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A huge fire has broken out in Leamington Spa Credit: @PHE_WestMids 7
Shocking photos show plumes of thick smoke billowing into the air Credit: @emslit5_emma/twitter 7
Locals have been told to keep their doors and windows closed Credit: @emslit5_emma/twitter