A HUGE fire this morning sent plumes of smoke and flickering flames into the air as local residents were urged to stay indoors and keep windows closed.
Dozens of roads were closed in Northampton as firefighters battled the inferno.
Shocking footage shows flames shooting from a building, prompting police officers to issue an urgent warning.
Smoke could be seen from miles away as the “large-scale fire” burned.
Local residents shared photos online of it falling through the sky, as flames rose into the air.
A cordon has been placed across the city center while emergency services put out the fire.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the inferno broke out in an abandoned building.
It’s one of two old bars on the street, a spokesperson said.
They added: “A 1,640ft cordon was placed around the building on Bridge Street.
“Several key routes in and around Northampton town center were closed this morning due to a large-scale fire on Bridge Street.
“The fire is in an abandoned building.
“A 500 meter cordon has been established to allow firefighters to deal with the incident which has so far resulted in the closure of Bridge Street, Angel Street, Derngate and Victoria Promenade.
“Road users are asked to find alternative routes and avoid this area until further notice. Residents and local businesses are advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the large smoke plume.
“We are trying to reduce the cordon to allow access to the city center but there are likely to be disruptions for most of the day.
“Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has seven pumps on site to deal with the fire. We are in contact with West Northamptonshire Council and regret the disruption.”
Northamptonshire Police warned residents to take care as firefighters tackled the blaze.
The force said: “Several key routes in and around Northampton town center were closed this morning due to a large-scale fire in Bridge Street.
“We will provide further updates as we have more information.”
The force added: “There is no access via St Peter’s Way, Gold Street, Abington Street or The Drapery. We will update you as soon as we have more information.”
The fire comes just months after a fire broke out in another Bridge St building.
An inferno devastated the old Balloon Bar in August last year.
The three-story building was empty at the time of the fire.
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