Dramatic pictures show scale of fire at old Sunderland College building

Plumes of thick grey smoke rose about the city as firefighters battled to extinguish the fire at a former Sunderland College building.
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Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 1.30pm on Friday, April 3, after a fire broke out at the former Hylton Campus building, off North Hylton Road.

Seven fire engines were at the incident at it’s peak and crews remain on scene.

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Shocking pictures show flames tearing through the roof of the building and thick, grey smoke could be see throughout the city.

Firefighters attend a fire at a former college building in Sunderland.Firefighters attend a fire at a former college building in Sunderland.
Firefighters attend a fire at a former college building in Sunderland.

A number of roads surrounding the building have been closed and nearby residents are being told to keep their doors and windows shut.

Firefighters used an aerial ladder and a number of hoses to tackle the blaze.

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A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “The wind is blowing smoke, therefore please close all doors and windows in the area - especially Beechwood, Marley Crescent and Elmwood.

Plumes of smoke poured from the building.Plumes of smoke poured from the building.
Plumes of smoke poured from the building.
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“Now seven crews including from Marley Park, two from Sunderland, Gosforth, Washington, two from Farringdon, South Shields, with the aerial ladder platform from Gateshead and our Command Unit are at the scene.

“We've had 38 firefighters and 3 officers at the incident at the disused college building.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Emergency services are at the scene and fire crews are currently working to extinguish the blaze. A number of roads surrounding the premises have been temporarily closed to the public.

Residents living in the Marley Pots area of the city are asked to ensure their doors and windows remain closed due to the resulting smoke.”