Nobody has been injured in the massive electrical fire in Hitchin’s industrial area, police have confirmed to the Comet.

The Comet: A fire is burning in Hitchin as black smoke rises over the town. Picture: Pippa AkramA fire is burning in Hitchin as black smoke rises over the town. Picture: Pippa Akram (Image: Archant)

The electrical goods fire in the scrapyard off Cadwell Lane has sent massive plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky above North Herts.

Firefighters from Hitchin, Baldock & Letchworth and Stevenage stations are on the scene after getting the call at 9.40am to reports of a fire of electrical goods in the open – with the aerial ladder platform despatched from Stevenage. Police and paramedics are also there.

Police have told the Comet nobody has been injured. Officers have closed the road at its junctions with Woolgrove Road and Wallace Way.

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John Holland, one of the many people contacting the Comet about the fire, said: “It’s just black smoke everywhere in the sky, going straight up. The wind keeps moving it about all the time.”

The black smoke can be seen from Letchworth and Stevenage. Emergency personnel have urged people across the Hitchin, Letchworth and Stevenage areas to close all doors and windows.

The Comet is awaiting further details from the emergency services.

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A Great Northern spokesman said: “The fire is not affecting rail services at the moment, but emergency services are keeping us up to date in case any safety concerns arise.”

A spokeswoman for Luton Airport said the smoke was having “zero impact on flights”.

The Comet: Plumes of smoke can be seen from Hitchin railway station. Picture: Jeremy Colman via TwitterPlumes of smoke can be seen from Hitchin railway station. Picture: Jeremy Colman via Twitter (Image: Archant)

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The Comet: The huge fire can be seen from Hitchin railway station. Picture: Jeremy Colman via TwitterThe huge fire can be seen from Hitchin railway station. Picture: Jeremy Colman via Twitter (Image: Archant)

The Comet: The Hitchin industrial estate fire. Picture: Ross LopemanThe Hitchin industrial estate fire. Picture: Ross Lopeman (Image: Archant)

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