Firefighters have been battling all to stop a huge blaze at a car breakers in Woodbury from spreading.
They tackled the fire near the centre of the village in East Devon.
Residents living nearby were told to leave their homes after fears the blaze would spread.
Anyone living within 200m of the fire evacuated.
They waited to see when it was safe to go back to their homes. But it is understood some were offered accommodation in a village hall.
Scores of people watched as firefighters sealed off the area and went to work on the fire.
Thick black smoke could be seen for miles around. There were sightings as far apart as Dawlish and Exwick.
Around 10 fire units were at the scene of the fire, which started at a scrap car dealers.
Smoke continues to fill there five hours after the blaze started following the outbreak of the fire at around 2.15pm on Sunday.
It is understood passers-by reported loud bangs which sounded like explosions coming from the building.
The police helicoptor was also used to survey the scene from the air.
Black smoke billowed across the countryside. Local residents were worried for their homes as the fire looked to be spreading.
But firefighters battled to contain it. They retained a heavy presence at the scene and had to call for extra water which arrived in one of their tankers.
It is unknown how the fire was started at this stage.
By 6.30pm the fire was under control with one fire appliance dampeninmg down.
