A NEARBY business owner says he could be stuck in Reading for potential 3 to 4 hours following the fire in Tessa Road.
The fire at the former Evening Post building in Reading is causing traffic chaos and road closures with one business stuck and unable to head home.
Stewart Russell, owner of Tyrestoyou, is stuck on Tessa Road.
LIVE UPDATES: Flames engulf derelict office building at Former Reading Evening Post site
He said: "All the roads are closed and its one way in and one way.
"The fire service told me I could be stuck here for 3-4 hours.
"I've got to take my son to boxing. But my wife will have to do it."
He also described seeing 'thick black smoke and smelling a chemical 'plastic-y smell' as the fire took hold of the derelict site.
Adding: "Where its an old building it could be asbestos as it stinks, like plastic-y and there was thick smoke black smoke."
Nearby, another business Crucible Sports & Social Club is battling with the dirsuption this evening. Employee Jenny Curtain said that business has been tough due to the closure of both roads surrounding the fire.
"They've closed off both sides so customers can't get to us," she said. "We are currently getting loads of calls from people who have bookings."
Firefighters remain on site tackling the fire at this time.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here