LONDON: A huge fire broke out at an industrial park in the central England town of Leamington Spa on Friday, sending up dramatic plumes of dark smoke that could be seen for miles. The local emergency services tackling the blaze, where explosions and a strong smell of chemicals were reported, were evacuating nearby properties and told people living in the surrounding area to close their windows and doors. Local lawmaker Matt Western said the fire might involve chemicals from a plastics business. Massive fire in Leamington #fire #leamington pic.twitter.com/bVBArl6lpA — Tricia pearson (@Triciapearson) August 27, 2021 Western said on Twitter that “the scale of the blaze is staggering” but firefighters “are increasingly confident of containing it.” The factory fire in Juno Drive has shaken Leamington to its core. The scale of the blaze is staggering. I’ve spoken with police and fire chiefs who are increasingly confident of containing it. Please adhere to guidance. Keep 70m+ away and keep doors and windows closed. pic.twitter.com/DPrIAyi3bi — Matt Western MP (@MattWestern_) August 27, 2021 The West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was on the scene but had not treated any patients. The fire broke out not far from the center of Leamington, an 18th-century spa town about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of London famed for its elegant Regency architecture. Local police said that one person was still unaccounted for and emergency services were working to locate them.