Huge Bishop Auckland garage fire 'looked like a movie'

Police and the fire service remain at First Stop RMH Vehicle Services in the Tindale Retail Park area this afternoon (Thursday, February 19) after a car fire saw the unit burst into flames.

Ten fire engines were sent to the scene and crews were spotted up an aerial ladder tackling the fire.

Residents and businesses nearby were evacuated from the area and warned to keep doors and windows closed.

Plumes of smoke were pictured rising into the air earlier today and significant damage to the unit's roof was visible.

At the scene, residents told The Northern Echo about the moment the fire began and the "scary" scenes that followed.

One person said: "I was just sat in McDonald’s watching the smoke but they have now evacuated us for safety. It looks terrible.

"I don’t know when it started, but it was bad at 11am. You can see through the door how bad the fire is.

Damage caused to the unit. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"I really commend the firefighters here today, they are amazing and braver than any of us could ever be."

Another said: "I cannot believe how bad it is. It's really worrying for everyone and I hope the nearby businesses aren’t affected by it.

"It looks like a movie I cannot believe it."

People watching the fire in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Pictures show firefighters tackling the flames from above while being surrounded by thick, black smoke.

Onlookers were spotted close to the unit, watching smoke escape from the bright orange blaze.

The roof now appears to have collapsed in on itself, as the full damage caused by the fire remains to be seen.

Firefighters using an aerial ladder. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

One person said: "I have never seen anything like it in my life. It was like a fireball earlier; really, really scary to watch."

A woman, who was working in a nearby shop said: "I’ve been working across the road and watching all day.

"I just want to note me how amazing the fire brigade have been. This was terrifying but we all felt safe knowing that they were there.

"I cannot believe it. I have never seen anything like this in my life."

Flames from the garage. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but the fire service are still urging people to stay away from the area.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “We currently have ten appliances in attendance at a large-scale fire at Tindale Retail Park in Bishop Auckland.

“We ask that businesses and properties in the area keep their doors and windows closed due to the level of smoke and urge people to stay away from the area.

“Motorists who have to travel near the area should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.”

The fire service at the scene. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Police previously confirmed that a stretch of road, between McDonald's and Sainsburys has been closed.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "A road closure has now been put in place between the roundabout at McDonalds and the roundabout at Sainsbury's.

"Motorists are being advised of poor visibility in the Tindale Retail Park area in Bishop Auckland due to smoke caused by a car fire.

"Emergency services are currently in attendance. Please find an alternative route."