Eight fire crews are today (Thursday, May 19) attending a massive blaze at a scrapyard on Tyneside. Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade confirmed that surrounding buildings were evacuated after the fire was reported at lunchtime. Smoke from the incident at Byker could be seen as far away as Hartlepool, about 30 miles away. Experts were still trying to ascertain if there are any dangerous chemicals involved, or likely to be reached by the flames.