A SPARK from a battery is being blamed for what's been described as the biggest blaze to hit Lydney in a decade.

Bendalls scrapyard workers had to run for their lives when plumes of toxic black smoke rose 70ft in the air and the Health Protection Agency told nearby residents to stay indoors.

"It was really scary how quickly the fire took hold," said Lucy Bendall.

"It happened so fast. We got out and then had to just watch helplessly as our family business burned."

She and three other members of the family, including owner Haydn, and two staff were forced to flee the yard.

"We had just finished our tea break when the fire started in the car plant," said Lucy Bendall.

"A chap came running over and said we'd better ring 999, which we did.

"We could see the black smoke but everybody was very calm. Then the wind picked up and changed direction and the flames started coming towards us.

"It was really scary how quickly the fire took hold. It happened so fast. We got out and then had to just watch helplessly as our family business burned.

"I've never seen anything like it. You hear about these fires, but you never imagine it happening to you. It was really upsetting."