Air quality alert as huge factory fire rages in Wolverhampton

More than 100 firefighters are tackling a huge factory fire and have warned residents and workers nearby to close their windows and doors amid concerns over air quality.

The blaze broke out at a building near Sunbeam Street’s junction with Upper Villiers Street in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton, shortly after 07:30 GMT on Wednesday.

West Midlands Fire Service said the fire was causing significant disruption and could be affecting air quality in the area. People were urged to avoid the area with crews expected to remain at the scene overnight.

Up to 21 fire engines were at the scene by about 12:30 GMT, the fire service said, as thick black smoke billowed from the blaze.

Ashes were falling from the plume on to cars and homes underneath with a strong smell of smoke in the area.

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

Crowds have gathered on Moor Street South and on Lower Villiers Street, where the police cordon on to Upper Villiers Street starts in both places.

Officers were directing traffic on to other roads with Upper Villiers Street and other surrounding roads shut to pedestrians and cars.

The factory measures about 100m x 50m, the fire service said, describing the fire as “significant”.

“We’re expecting significant disruption in and around this site for the rest of today, this evening and overnight while we work at the scene, so please plan and adjust any journey’s accordingly,” a spokesperson said.

Smoke from the fire could be seen across the city with a listener to BBC Radio WM stating he could smell and taste the smoke as he stood in the Mander Centre car park, almost a mile (1.6km) away from the fire.

“Smoke is drifting across Wolverhampton city centre which you can both smell and taste in the air,” said Steve, from Bushbury.

“A very large fire indeed as burning since 07:30 this morning.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said it had been called to the fire just before 08:00 and its hazardous area response team was at the scene.

Repeating its warning for people to avoid the area, the fire service said it had increased its presence at the scene at about 11:00 GMT due to the severity of the blaze.

“As a result, we want to remind everyone to avoid the area at this time. If you live or work in the area, please close your windows and doors,” a spokesperson said.