A major fire at a scrap metal yard in Leicester has prompted emergency warnings for residents not to drink tap water. Eight fire engines and specialist appliances are tackling the blaze on Ulverscroft Road, which broke out this afternoon and continues to rage.
Thick smoke is billowing across the city skyline, visible for miles around. Emergency services have urged residents to keep doors and windows shut and avoid the area entirely for their safety.
Public safety warnings
Leicestershire Police confirmed residents in the affected area must avoid drinking water from their taps due to contamination risks from the fire. The warning comes as smoke from the recycling and scrap metal facility spreads across surrounding neighbourhoods.
Ulverscroft Road has been closed between Catherine Street and Forest Road junctions. The closure began at 11:07am and escalated to a major emergency response by 13:28pm as the situation developed.
Emergency response continues
Severn Trent water company is actively involved and aware of the contamination situation. The fire service confirmed crews were called this afternoon and remain at the scene as the blaze continues.
Local residents have been documenting the incident, with many submitting photographs showing the towering column of smoke. Emergency services are treating this as a major incident requiring ongoing specialist response.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Express", "Leicester Mercury" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
