Dublin, Ireland – Panic and chaos erupted today

after a huge fire broke out at a recycling centre in Balbriggan,

sending plumes of thick black smoke across

the skies and forcing officials to issue urgent

warnings for residents to keep their doors and windows shut.

Local fire brigades rushed to

the scene as the inferno tore through the facility.

Dramatic footage shows flames engulfing the building

while firefighters battled tirelessly to contain the blaze.

Witnesses described the scene as “terrifying”

as smoke spread rapidly across the community.

Authorities have issued a major safety order

: residents must close all windows and doors to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.

Parents were seen rushing to pick up

their children from nearby schools as a precaution.