Locals urged to stay indoors after Townsville metal yard fire

Locals have been urged to avoid the South Townsville area and to close all windows and doors after a huge fire at a commercial property that acrid black smoke into the air.

Queensland police issued the warning early this morning, hours after the fire at an industrial property housing plastic and scrap metal rubbish was put out by fire crews.

Emergency services were originally called to the Hubert Street building at around 5.20pm (AEST) yesterday afternoon.

The property housed a large amount of plastic and scrap metal rubbish, which created thick plumes of black smoke.

The public is urged to avoid the area and close all windows and doors as a precaution.