FIREFIGHTERS are continuing to tackle a large fire on an industrial estate.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) were called to reports of a well-established fire at Peterlee West Industrial Estate at 4.30am this morning.
In total, eleven fire appliances attended the scene including the aerial ladder platform along with crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Cleveland Fire Brigade.
A number of crews remain at the scene.
At its height, 50 firefighters were tackling the fire in two adjoining units and residents nearby were asked to keep doors and windows closed as there was a large plume from the blaze.
In the past hour incident commander, CDDFRS Group Manager Rob Cherrie has declared that the fire is now contained.
He said: "Three crews continue to fight the fire which is now contained and we have scaled back our resources at the scene.
"I would like to thank our crews and the firefighters from our neighbouring services for a swift and professional response in difficult circumstances."
Crews will continue to be on scene for the rest of the day to bring the fire under control.
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