Smoke seen for miles after Wolverhampton factory fire

People have been told to avoid the area as firefighters tackle a large fire in a factory building in the West Midlands.

Firefighters from West Midlands Fire Service and Staffordshire are currently at the scene of the fire on Sunbeam Street in Wolverhampton, having arrived shortly after 7.30am on Wednesday.

There are currently 21 fire engines, two 4×4 brigade response vehicles and three hydraulic aerial platforms in attendance as firefighters work to extinguish it. An evacuation point has been allocated on Bromley Street, while police are in attendance, supporting with traffic management.

The fire service described it as a “significant fire” that was creating a “large smoke plume”. It said that it was expecting disruption in the area through the day and overnight as firefighters work at the scene.

No injuries or casualties have been reported, the fire service said.

In an updated statement at 12.05pm on Wednesday, West Midlands Fire Service said: “We currently have 21 fire engines, two 4×4 brigade response vehicles and three hydraulic aerial platforms in attendance. Three crews from Staffordshire (Wombourne, Penkridge and Cannock) are supporting WMFS crews.

“This is a fire in a factory building, measuring approximately 100m x 50m. Crews continue to work across the incident ground to extinguish the fire. Three hydraulic aerial platforms are allowing crews to target hotspots.

“An evacuation point has been allocated on Bromley Street. Police colleagues are in attendance, supporting with traffic management.

“As you can see from the imagery, this is a significant fire. It’s creating a large smoke plume that has the potential to affect visibility and air quality.

“Anyone whose home or workplace is affected is advised to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution.

“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 journeys accordingly.”