Fears were sparked that people could breathe in toxic fumes after a farm building caught fire at a north Norfolk village.
Nearby residents were told to keep doors and windows shut as the workshop at Stow Heath Road, Felmingham contained asbestos.
The road was shut throughout yesterday as firefighters battled the blaze.
Smoke could be seen from about a mile away and villagers reported hearing what they believed were gas canisters exploding on the site.
Norfolk Fire Service said several engines were sent to deal with the blaze at 11.30am. The fire was bought under control within a few hours.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: 'I went to try and find out what was happening, but got turned back.
'The smoke was very bad and I could hear what sounded like gas cylinders exploding.'
Joanna Leonard, who lives about half a mile from the scene of the fire, said: 'My husband went out to discover what was going on and it was like a thick fog with fireworks going off.
'There was a police officer at the end of the road with a mask then four or five fire vehicles came along.
'We were told there was asbestos fumes and we should keep our doors and windows shut.'
The road reopened later in the evening, with fire officers returning to deal with more smoke later.
Did you witness the fire? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk
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