Factory chiefs have issued a statement after a huge fire sent fireballs and plumes of black smoke into the sky.
The fire broke out at Moulds, Patterns and Models Ltd (MPM), a factory on Swinnow Lane, Bramley, around 12noon on Monday (June 12).
Up to 10 pumps had to be called in to fight the blaze, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said.
Smoke was billowing up into the sky and was visible from miles away in Bradford.
Dramatic photographs taken on the Stanningley Bypass showed thick smoke from the fire blowing across the road and reducing visibility.
The fire service was called to Mould, Patterns and Models Ltd, a plastics factory on Swinnow Lane, at 12pm. There were dozens of 999 calls. A police cordon is in place whilst firefighters and police officers work at the scene. pic.twitter.com/G8cLSqPMbj
— Natasha Meek 📰 (@journomeek) June 12, 2023
In a statement issued on Monday, a spokesperson for MPM said: "Today at around 11am, a fire broke out on the external yard at the MPM premises.
"Whilst unfortunate disruption was caused to the surrounding areas, there was no harm or danger to any members of the public or the MPM team, or any damage to any buildings.
"MPM are working hard to minimise interruption and tomorrow will be business as usual.
"We thank the emergency services for their quick response in ensuring the safety and security of our team, the public, our premises and surrounding areas."
One man compared the sound of the fire breaking out to "fireworks night".
He said: "All you could hear was these big bangs.
"Like a bomb.
"The smoke was that bad cars couldn't see because of the black smoke. I've never seen smoke that black before. When I got there there was another explosion. We saw these massive fire bubbles go up in the air."
One nearby resident, who lives on Swinnow Drive about 300 metres from the fire, said: "My back garden looks straight over to the plastics factory.
"I heard what sounded like bangs and detonations which woke me up at 11.30am," he said. "Whatever it was it sounded likes it was combusting all at once.
"I heard what sounded a gunshot screaming and felt a shockwave in the house.
"The smoke was pitch black and at one point I saw a fireball.
"It smells awful."
One family reported seeing a big orange ball of fire.
The woman said: "I saw this black smoke. It was really thick. You couldn't see where you're driving down the bypass, they had to slow down."
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