NewsUK NewsFire ServiceLIVEUpdated 6 mins agoEmergency services rushed to the incident at a factory in the Crowther Industrial Estate, Washington, in Tyne and Wear, with witnesses telling of 'several explosions'Thick black smoke coming from the scene of the fire(Image: Lewis Telford/MC Toxic)Massive plumes of smoke can be seen coming from a raging fire at a factory after reports of "several explosions" in the North East.Emergency services rushed to the incident in the Crowther Industrial Estate, Washington, in Tyne and Wear, with witnesses saying that there's no signs of the fire easing.Northumbria Police says officers are on the scene to support the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in responding to the fire in Washington, with a 'cordon currently in place'.Pictures from the scene show five fire brigade appliances and an aerial ladder platform dispatched. Thick black smoke is billowing into the sky which can be seen for miles.‌View PostView PostToday17:58 BST'Actually felt the house shake when it happened'A woman has said that they felt their house "shake" when the fire erupted at the factory.She wrote on Facebook: "Actually felt the house shake when it happened," and another person said: "You can see the smoke from Durham."While further people expressed hope there have been no casualties from the fire."I hope no one has been hurt," wrote one person and a further said: "stay safe all fire crews."Today17:48 BSTImage shows huge plumes of smoke coming from factoryPlumes of smoke are filling the sky following the large fire at a factory in Washington.The blaze is raging at the Crowther Industrial Estate in the west of the town.Thick black smoke coming from the scene of the fire(Image: Lewis Telford/MC Toxic)Today17:43 BSTResident tells of hearing 'several explosions'A resident, who can see the smoke from their bedroom window, told ChronicleLive: "I've heard several explosions and loud bangs this afternoon."From where I am, I can't see the flames themselves, but there is a huge amount of smoke and it just seems to be getting even more by the minute."A huge fire is ongoing at a factory on the Crowther Industrial Estate(Image: ChronicleLive)Today17:39 BST'Avoid area' warningThe Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service posted the following on social media: "We have five appliances and an aerial ladder platform in attendance at a factory fire in Crowther Industrial Estate, Washington, Tyne and Wear."We are receiving a high volume of calls due to smoke being visible from the A1, A194 and the Sunderland Highway."We would like to advise members of the public to avoid the area if possible, and anyone in the vicinity to keep their windows and doors closed."Today17:39 BSTCordon in place following fire in Washington, says policeNorthumbria Police says officers are on the scene to support the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in responding to the fire in Washington with a 'cordon currently in place', Chronicle Live reports.‌