Smoke billowing from a major factory fire can be ‘tasted in the air’ for miles around as plumes drift over Wolverhampton.
More than 100 firefighters raced to the scene on Sunbeam Street after residents reported hearing explosions at around 7.30am on Wednesday.
Smoke had reportedly made the air ‘hard to breathe’ and locals have been urged to close their windows and doors.
One nearby school has been sent home with residents being told to avoid the area.
BBC Radio West Midlands reported a local saying he could ‘smell and taste the smoke’ as he stood in the Mander Centre car park,almost a mile – away from the fire at a mixed-use factory building.
One of the 100 firefighters tackling ‘toxic’ factory blaze (Picture: WMFS)‘A very large fire indeed as burning since 7.30am this morning.’
Flames are ravishing the mixed use factory in Wolverhampton (Picture: WMFS)
The huge blaze broke out at a unit in Sunbeam Street,Wolverhampton (Picture: Iconic / SWNS)Former Labour councillor Paul Birch,who has an office near the scene,said it is a ‘major toxic incident’.Birch,who is the managing director of Wolverhampton record label Revolver Records,told BirminghamLive it began at around 7.20am.He added: ‘Residents are advised to stay in doors and close their windows as a major toxic incident is emerging.’In a statement,West Midlands Fire Service said: ‘We have increased our resources at the ongoing factory fire on Sunbeam Street,near the junction with Upper Villiers Street in Blakenhall,Wolverhampton.‘We have 17 fire engines,two 4×4 brigade response vehicles,two hydraulic aerial platforms and a drone team at the scene.‘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.’
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