The site of the fire is close to Rushden Lakes - a large outdoor shopping complex located on the opposite side of the A45 dual carriageway.

The BBC has contacted Rushden Lakes and it says it is continuing to trade as normal.

Mick Berry, the area manager from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, has just issued a statement about the latest response to the blaze.

He says: "This is a large fire that is having a significant impact on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate in Rushden.

"A multi-agency decision has been taken to declare a major incident, but fire crews are working extremely hard to prevent the fire from spreading and reduce the smoke plume.

"We would urge people to stay away from the site while emergency services deal with this incident and ask nearby residents to close windows and doors due to the large amount of smoke issuing from the site.

"We anticipate that we will be on scene over the rest of the weekend, and we appreciate the impact this is having on local businesses on the estate and would like to thank them for their patience."

The fire service says the gas supply to the Sanders Lodge estate has been "isolated".

It says nearby residents have not yet been affected by this measure, but adds it is working with North Northamptonshire Council and Cadent to "mitigate any impact that could affect up to 500 properties nearby".

Thick black smoke billowing from the warehouse blaze has been seen up to 13 miles (21km) away, with people living as far away as Bedford reporting it.

The scale of the smoke plume has been further emphasised by video captured from the air.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service says three aerial appliances, two water bowsers and a high-volume pump are among the fire service resources that have been sent to tackle the fire.

In a statement, it says: "We are receiving cross-border support from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in dealing with this incident, and we anticipate we will be on scene for the rest of the weekend."

People are being asked to stay away from the site while emergency services deal with the incident.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate in Rushden, Northamptonshire, at about 06:30 BST.

Twelve crews have been tackling the fire involving a large quantity of plastic.

All roads on the Sanders Lodge industrial estate have been closed while emergency services deal with the incident, and people are being asked to avoid the area and find an alternative route if commuting.

The fire service says the building was evacuated prior to its arrival - with everyone at the site safely accounted for.

A major incident has been declared by the emergency services after a huge fire broke out at a recycling warehouse in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

We will bring you all the updates on the fire on this dedicated live text page.