Firefighters were called to the scrap metal blaze on Carlisle Street, in Burngreave, at around 1pm today and they are still dousing the flames.
In an update issued at around 8.30pm, South Yorkshire Police said: “We are continuing to support our colleagues at the scene this evening in Sheffield.
“There are road closures in place so please avoid the area and keep an eye on their updates.”
The fire sent thick plumes of smoke billowing across the city and people living miles away reported the acrid smell wafting through the air.
The blaze started at MHH Contracting, and South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue initially sent three crews, before sending another three fire engines.
The fire service, which urged people in the area to close their doors and windows to keep out the smoke, said an investigation into the cause would take place once the fire is out.
Carlisle Street and Petre Street were both closed due to the fire, with buses being diverted.
1. Major effort
Six fire crews have been battling the blaze (pic: South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue) Photo: South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue
2. Cause unknown
The fire service said the cause would be investigated once the fire is out (pic: South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue) Photo: SYFR
3. Huge plumes of smoke
This photo, taken from Park Hill, shows the fire still raging this evening Photo: Dan Hayes
4. Acrid smoke
People reported smelling the acrid smoke miles away (pic: South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue) Photo: South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue