Around 100 firefighters worked through the night to extinguish a large fire at a car dealership.
Plumes of smoke and orange flames could be seen rising from Ron Skinner and Sons on the Tarfarnaubach Industrial Estate, in Tredegar, during the early hours of Saturday.
Some nearby residents described hearing loud bangs, which one woman said made the windows of her house shake.
There have been no reported injuries, but people living nearby were urged to keep indoors.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service first reported being at the scene of the blaze at around 01:00 BST.
“Members of the public are reminded to please avoid the area, and if they live locally, to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed,” a spokesperson from the fire service said.
Paige Bennett, from Tredegar, said she witnessed the fire from her home and described hearing “explosions [that] made the windows shake”.
Ms Bennett, who has lived opposite the car dealership for 21 years, added that she “just can’t believe it”.
At around 10:00 on Saturday, the fire service reported that the blaze was being “scaled down”.
“Four fire engines remain at the scene along with specialist appliances,” a spokesperson said.
Alun Davies, MS for Blaenau Gwent, said everyone would be “devastated” by the news of the fire.
“I have contacted Blaenau Gwent council and the Welsh government this morning to make sure that the business gets all the support it needs to recover and to rebuild,” Mr Davies said.
‘Devastating for the workforce’
Blaenau Gwent councillor John C Morgan, who represents the Georgetown ward, said the fire would have a “huge impact” on the community.
“They are a big employer and it is a lovely company. It is devastating for the workforce and the community,” he said.
A spokesperson for Parc Bryn Bach, a local nature reserve which neighbours the site, said they hoped to see the car dealership “back up and running in the not too distant future”.
“We are saddened and devastated by the incident at our neighbouring business Ron Skinner and Sons last night,” they added.
Rhymney Rugby Club, FC Tredegar and Bush Ironsides also sent well-wishes to the business via social media on Saturday morning.
“Ron Skinner is an important local employer for our town and community,” said FC Tredegar.
“Everyone at FC Tredegar is shocked and saddened to see the devastating news.”