Air quality alert as huge Wolverhampton factory fire rages

Shannen Headley and Caroline Gall,West MidlandsAnd

Rachael Lewis,in Wolverhampton

A fire broke out in the factory building on Wednesday morning

More than 100 firefighters are battling a massive factory fire and have warned nearby residents and workers to close their windows and doors due to air quality concerns.

The fire broke out at a building near the junction between Sunbeam Street and Upper Villiers Street in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton, shortly after 07:30 GMT on Wednesday.

West Midlands Fire Brigade said the fire had caused serious disruption and could affect air quality in the area. While the teams were expected to spend the night at the scene, citizens were asked to stay away from the area.

The fire service said 21 fire engines were at the scene at around 12:30 GMT as thick black smoke rose from the blaze.

Ashes were raining down on cars and homes in the area, along with the strong smell of smoke.

People living nearby told the BBC they believed the building was a space used by different businesses.

West Midlands Fire Brigade Massive fire viewed from above. Large clouds of smoke and flames are seen coming from a building. Smoke fills the picture. — More than 100 firefighters were called to fight the blaze and people nearby were warned that the smoke could be dangerous.

Crowds gathered in Lower Villiers Street, where a police cordon started from South Moor Street and Upper Villiers Street.

Officers were diverting traffic to Upper Villiers Street and other surrounding roads, where roads were closed to pedestrians and cars.

The fire brigade stated that the factory was approximately 100 m x 50 m in size and described the fire as “significant”.

A spokesman said: “We expect significant disruption in and around this area for the remainder of today, this evening and overnight whilst we work at the scene, so please plan and adjust all your journeys accordingly.” he said.

Ashes from the smoke fell on houses and vehicles in the area

A big red vehicle "incident command unit" police blue and white tape on the side with a stripe behind "Road closed" Sign in front of it. Many firefighters and police officers can be seen in front of the vehicle, with a large cloud of smoke behind it. — Ashes from the smoke fell on houses and vehicles in the area

Smoke from the fire was visible from across the city, with a listener on BBC Radio WM noting that he could smell and taste the smoke while standing in the Mander Center car park, almost a mile (1.6 km) away from the fire.

“The smoke is floating through Wolverhampton city center and you can smell and taste it in the air,” said Steve, from Bushbury.

“A really big fire has been burning since 07.30 this morning.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said it was called to the fire just before 8am and its hazardous area response team was at the scene.

According to eyewitnesses, smoke was visible from 1 kilometer away.

As people stood on a street near the fire, clouds of dark smoke rose skyward over a row of neighboring shops. A fire truck can be seen parked on the street next to some shops. — According to eyewitnesses, smoke was visible from 1 kilometer away.

Reiterating its warning that people should stay away from the area, the fire brigade said it increased its presence at the scene around 11:00 GMT due to the severity of the fire.

A spokesman said: “As a result we would like to remind everyone to avoid the area at this time. If you live or work in the area please close your windows and doors.” he said.