WATCH: Plume of black smoke stretches 20km from Durban warehouse fire

Durban firefighters have managed to bring the blaze at a Transnet Freight Rail warehouse in south Durban under control after a five-hour struggle on Friday.

The fire‚ which produced a giant column of smoke that hung over the city‚ razed a large portion of the warehouse.

The flames were fuelled by wax and plastics in the warehouse and fanned by strong‚ gusting winds.

• READ MORE: IN PICTURES: Massive factory blaze blackens Durban skylineTMG Digital photographer Jackie Clausen was on the scene of a massive fire that tore through a factory on South Coast Road, Durban south, on Friday morning.

According to a statement issued by the eThekwini Municipality‚ emergency service personnel had reined in the fire‚ although it was still burning. "The smoke from the fire is moving over the city as a result of strong 40-50km/h southwesterly winds. The smoke is not at this point coming to ground within the city‚ but is moving towards the northern direction.

• READ MORE: Water restrictions hampering efforts to douse Durban warehouse blazeTeams of firefighters battling a warehouse blaze in south Durban have been hampered by water restrictions which initially rendered fire hydrants in the area useless.

"In the event that members of the community come into contact with the smoke‚ they are advised to stay indoors and close all windows and doors as well as ensure that air-conditioning systems are switched off‚” it reads.

• SEE MORE: WATCH: Aerial footage shows massive fire at Durban warehouse Fire fighters are battling a blaze at a Durban warehouse.

"South Coast Road has been closed between the M7 and Bayhead Road. Due to the poor visibility emanating from the smoke‚ motorists are advised to keep their headlights on and drive cautiously."

• READ MORE: Medics on alert for breathing problems as noxious smoke from warehouse blaze blankets south DurbanA noxious cloud of black smoke which continues to billow from a warehouse ablaze in the south Durban basin could result in breathing difficulties‚ according to KZN paramedics.

Earlier TMG Digital reported that firefighters had been hampered by poor water supply in the area as a result of drought-linked water restrictions.