A fire has broken out at a scrap yard at the Hythe.
Black smoke billowed from a large pile of scrap cars on fire at the Autobreak yard off Haven Road, Colchester.
Six crews of firefighters tackled the flames after being called at around 9.45am on Thursday.
Fire engines from Dovercourt, Weeley, Great Dunmow and Halstead were at the scene and had the fire under control.
Police closed the road in both directions at Colne Causeway and at Whitehall Road, and warned people living nearby to keep their windows closed.
Drivers were being asked to avoid the area.
The Environment Agency was also on the scene.
A spokesman said: “We have just arrived on the scene of a large fire at Autobreak’s scrap yard, Haven Road, Colchester.
“This is a site we regulate.
“We will be monitoring the situation for any potential pollution caused by the run-off from the foam and taking on an advisory role.”
Original source: Gazette