Huge fire breaks out sending massive plumes of black smoke into the air as residents told stay AWAY [Video]

A HUGE fire has broken out this morning, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the air – as residents are told to stay away.

The industrial blaze, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, began in the early hours, with firefighters deployed to the scene at around 2.30am.

Videos of the fire hit social media just after 5am, showing the enormous black plumes surrounding nearby houses.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has since confirmed it broke out at an industrial recycling plant.

It added that six fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms were sent to the scene, where crews discovered a large pile of scrap metal on fire.

Mark Barber, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: “Crews have been working since before 3am this morning to contain a large fire at a metal recycling centre on Wallace Way, Hitchin.

“People at properties in …