Some homes near a major fire in Welland have been evacuated.

The block of homes downwind from the blaze at the old Henniges Automotive Plant have been evacuated and depending on the wind direction more evacuations may be needed.

Fire Chief Denys Prevost tells CKTB News they are attacking the blaze from the exterior of the building and are making some progress.

Five pumpers, an ariel and almost all firefighters in Welland are on the scene.

Chief Prevost doesn't believe anyone was inside the building when it broke out.

No injuries are reported.

River Road and Ross Street will be closed this evening.

It's not clear how the fire started.

Residents watching firefighters attack a blaze at the Henniges plant.