Firefighters are battling a large blaze at a factory in Wolverhampton that erupted this morning, with fears of a 'major toxic incident' emerging as thick black smoke blankets the area. The fire broke out shortly after 7:20am on Sunbeam Street in Blakenhall, prompting a major emergency response.
Eight fire engines from stations including Bilston, Fallings Park, Tipton, Willenhall, Cannock, Wednesbury, Dudley, and Walsall were dispatched to the scene. Crews arrived within three minutes and are using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to tackle the flames. The fire has been reported to be spreading to adjacent industrial units.
Residents reported hearing 'explosions' followed by a cacophony of sirens. Local resident Dave Bennett told Birmingham Live that the smoke made it 'hard to breathe'. St Luke's Primary School decided to close and send pupils home as a precaution.
The West Midlands Fire Service advised residents to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area. Former Labour councillor Paul Birch warned of a 'major toxic incident' and urged caution. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
