By PATRICK HARRINGTON

Published: 20:41 GMT, 2 January 2026 | Updated: 23:04 GMT, 2 January 2026

A huge fire engulfed a warehouse near a major shopping centre in Sheffield, with fireballs seen erupting from the burning building.

Fire crews rushed to the industrial unit on Meadowhall Road at around 5.45pm, and were met with flames and smoke climbing into the night sky.

The fire took hold near the popular Meadowhall shopping centre.

Footage from a nearby CCTV camera showed thick black smoke continuing to billow from the site at 6.30pm.

Customers at Meadowhall, Yorkshire's largest shopping centre, reported being able to smell the smoke.

A security guard was forced to assure customers that the fire was at the nearby industrial estate, not the shopping mall, amid rumours the roof was on fire.

One shopper told The Star Sheffield: 'When we arrived people were leaving saying the centre’s roof was on fire. We could smell smoke but nobody was panicking.

'Others came out saying shops were not allowing people inside.

A large plume of flames and smoke could be seen climbing into the sky in Sheffield

Footage from a nearby live camera showed thick black smoke billowing near the Meadowhall shopping centre

Shoppers at Meadowhall could smell the smoke, and some though it was the shopping centre on fire

'But very quickly a guard came out and told everyone that the fire was on an industrial estate so people started going back in.'

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'The fire is causing a large plume of smoke in the area. 

'Please stay away from the area whilst we carry out our work.

'And if you live nearby, keep your windows and doors closed.'

South Yorkshire Police said Meadowhall Road was closed between Meadowhall Interchange and Amos Road.

A spokesperson said: 'The fire service and officers are at the scene and no injuries have been reported. 

'Please avoid the area and plan an alternative route where possible.'