A blaze which broke out at a garage in Croxdale, near Durham, has been extinguished - but fire crews remain at the scene to cool down a number of acetylene cylinders.
The A167 is closed until the area can be made safe and police advised people living nearby to remain indoors. No-one has been injured.
The alarm was raised shortly after 8pm after smoke was seen coming from the Croxdale Fast Fit Autocentre in Forster Terrace.
Four fire crews attended together with an aerial ladder.
It was initially reported that a vehicle inside the 30 x 30 metre garage was well alight.
Earlier, Chief Superintendent Graham Hall said: "Our advice to people in the area is to stay indoors. The fire is being brought under control.
"Once the fire has been extinguished we will begin a joint investigation with the fire service to determine the cause of the fire."
The A167 is closed between Croxdale roundabout and the Coach and Horses pub. Diversions are in place.
Police say the road will be closed for some time.
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