Willenhall fire: full details of road closures in place

There were some road closures in place in Walsall after a large-scale fire broke out in a factory. A fire broke out in a factory on Stringes Lane, Willenhall just after midnight on January 12.

In a latest update, firefighters said: “Good progress has been made at the incident. This is being scaled down but three fire engines will remain in attendance to manage and monitor the incident.”

However, Greadier Street remains closed while other local roads have been opened.

High Road, Straight Road, Ashmore Lake Way, Slater Street to Stringes road and Clarkes lane were closed at the roundabout at Ashmore Lake previously. Residents had been advised to keep windows and doors closed.

A total of 10 fire crews with over 50 firefighters attended the incident. The fire broke through the roof of the property - a 100m x 30m industrial unit used as a food and wholesale supplier.

The severe fire affected over 60% of the building, with 5 of 7 sectors across 3251 square meters involved or affected by fire.

West Midlands Fire Service crews are working hard to ensure nearby properties were not damaged by any fire spread as well as to protect a nearby vehicle fuel tank and an oil tanker.

A total of 13 jets are in use with two of our hydraulic platforms also providing support. A high-volume pump, also at the scene, has been brought into use to support firefighting activities.

All staff who were working on the site were evacuated safely prior to fire service arrival. No injuries have been reported.

West Midlands Ambulance and West Midlands Police have also been in attendance supporting with this incident.

The fire service said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by closures in the area. We’re doing our best to open roads and liaise with affected businesses and properties in the area to allow access wherever possible. If a local property owner or business needs access or advice, they can approach fire service staff or police officers at the scene.

“Where roads have been closed and traffic cones are in place, it is vital drivers do not remove cones or drive over the hose reels on these roads as doing so can damage our equipment and affect firefighting activities. We also ask that homes, businesses or those travelling through the area keep doors and windows closed as a precaution for the time being.”

Access to Walsall Integrated Community Equipment Stores (ICES) is difficult because of road closures. ICES is open and vans will be sent out but this may be a limited service ICES is on 01922 60490 .