A significant industrial fire has erupted at a factory in Wolverhampton, sending plumes of toxic smoke billowing into the sky and prompting a major emergency response. Residents are being warned to steer clear of the area as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
Emergency Response and Scene Details
The incident began in the early hours of Wednesday 14 January 2026. West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service was mobilised to Sunbeam Street, near the junction with Upper Villiers Street in the Blakenhall area, shortly after 7.30am. The first crew arrived on the scene in an impressive three minutes.
Firefighters are currently dealing with a substantial fire within a factory building. To combat the intense flames and toxic smoke, crews wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reel jets. A significant force has been deployed, including eight fire engines, a 4x4 brigade response vehicle, and a hydraulic aerial platform.
Crews from Across the Region
The scale of the incident has required resources from across the West Midlands. Firefighters attending the scene have been called in from stations in Bilston, Fallings Park, Tipton, Willenhall, Haden Cross, Wednesbury, Dudley, and Walsall.
Authorities have described the situation as a "major toxic incident" due to the nature of the smoke emanating from the factory. The smoke has been visible for miles around, causing widespread concern.
Public Health Advice and Disruption
The fire service has issued urgent advice to the public. People are asked to avoid the Sunbeam Street area entirely to allow emergency services to operate freely and to prevent exposure to potentially harmful fumes.
For those who live or work nearby, the instruction is clear: close all doors and windows to minimise the risk of smoke inhalation. The service has acknowledged that the incident is causing significant disruption in the locality.
The operation remains a live incident, with crews expected to be on site for a considerable time to fully extinguish the fire and make the area safe.
