Hundreds of firefighters have been battling a major blaze at a recycling plant and sports court complex in central Paris.
A large section of the city's périphérique ring road was closed to traffic in both directions last night as emergency services tackled the inferno.
Dramatic footage captured flames tearing through the structure as motorists passed nearby, with drivers looking on in disbelief.
The fire has created thick black smoke visible across the French capital, with plumes rising above the city's skyline.
The fire has created thick black smoke visible across the French capital, with plumes rising above the city's skyline
REUTERS
The incident has prompted evacuations in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The blaze is believed to have originated from the basement of the Syctom waste sorting centre in the 17th arrondissement on Monday afternoon.
By early evening, more than 200 firefighters and 60 trucks were deployed to battle what officials described as "toxic fumes".
An emergency spokesman said: "There are fears that the wooden beams of the building will collapse and that the wind will cause the fire to spread further north."
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The cause of the fire remains unknown, with a full investigation expected to commence once the blaze is brought under control.
Thick black smoke could be seen pouring out of the building and spreading to surrounding districts.
Smoke plumes and orange flames were visible rising above the world-famous Sacre Coeur Basilica, though the landmark itself was not believed to be threatened.
A large area around the affected buildings was evacuated as a precautionary measure. No injuries have been reported thus far.
Thick black smoke could be seen pouring out of the building and spreading to surrounding districts
REUTERS
Eye witness Karim Aboulker, 47, described the scene, saying: "It's a frightening looking fire, we've been told to move somewhere else. The entire area is very chaotic."
The dramatic scenes have caused concern among local residents and businesses in the affected area.
The closure of the Paris ring road, which stretches 22 miles around the capital, sparked large traffic jams near Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.
The incident comes almost exactly six years after the devastating Notre Dame Cathedral fire on April 15, 2019.
That blaze, thought to have been caused by a discarded cigarette or electrical short circuit, destroyed the cathedral's wooden spire and most of its roof.
After a multi-million restoration programme, Notre Dame reopened last December.
