FIRE crews expect to be at the scene of a major fire at a North-East industrial estate for the rest of the day.

This morning there were still up to 100 tonnes of tyres burning at the Riverside Industrial Estate in Langley Park, County Durham.

County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade reported that they were taking 'great care' at the scene, due to the damaged condition of the buildings.

A man was last night arrested on suspicion of arson after the blaze destroyed several businesses. 

Police and firefighters launched an investigation after the ferocious blaze at Langley Park in County Durham yesterday morning - which sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.

Emergency services were called to Riverside Industrial Estate at around 11.15am.

One family, who run a tyre fitting company, said they were devastated after seeing their livelihood go up in smoke.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said last night: “A 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire in Langley Park.

“He is currently in custody assisting police with their enquiries.

“Emergency services remain at the scene of the fire in Riverside Industrial Estate which is still alight. 

“The public are reminded to stay away from the area and to also take care driving in the vicinity of the fire as there is still a significant amount of black smoke decreasing visibility.”

The Northern Echo:

Thick black smoke billows from behind Langley Park Hotel. Picture: Mike Hughes

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue service group manager Steve Wharton said it was not yet clear where the fire had started and it may be several days before it is completely extinguished.

He said the fire had spread to "hundreds, if not thousands" of tyres, including big tyres for articulated lorries.

Over 40 firefighters, six fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms were used in the operation to get the fire under control.

Mr Wharton said: “It is ongoing and will be going for some considerable time to come. There is a vast number of tyres, which need to be extinguished.

“It is being treated as suspicious at the stage. It is far too early to say where the fire started yet. We have to wait until the fire is out and cool. It will be several days before we start that piece of work.”

Flames spread to nearby woodland and thick black clouds of acrid smoke could be seen for miles around.

The roof of building housing five businesses collapsed due to the intense heat.

No-one is thought to have been injured, but one man was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

The Shanks family, who run Tyre Revolution, told of their heartbreak, but were keen to point out the fire did not start at their premises.

Owner Mark Shanks, of Witton Gilbert, said: “The lads from next door said ‘you need to get out quick, there is a fire round the back.

“There was an Escort Cosworth in there worth a lot of money so I went back in to get that out. I went back in and managed to get my computer.

“I went back in to get other stuff, but there was that much smoke and it was that thick I could not get back in.

“The fire has spread from round the back of my business and has took the whole building.

“The business has been four years of life. It is devastating.” 

His son, Anthony, who works at the company, also desperately tried to salvage what he could.   

He said: “You could not breathe in there. When we were pulling the car out the walls were glowing.” 

The Northern Echo:

Marc Thomas shot this picture of the inferno at Riverside Industrial Estate

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:

The fire captured by crew aboard the National Police Air Service, North East Region, helicopter

Fiona O'Roarty captured this footage of the fire at Riverside Industrial Estate, Langley Park