A large fire has broken out at a ship recycling yard in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, according to local reports.

The fire is believed to have started around midday in several vessels waiting to be dismantled at the site.

Thick black smoke was seen rising from the area.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and multiple fire engines and fire fighting vessels were deployed to control the blaze.

Local authorities issued evacuation notices for nearby residential areas as a precaution.

No deaths or injuries had been reported at the time of writing.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.