20 firefighters tackle blaze near Stafford
Explosions were heard and staff evacuated as a huge fire ripped through an industrial unit.
Thirty firefighters from across Staffordshire and the West Midlands were called to JBM Limited on Hixon Industrial Estate near Stafford after around seven tons of metal caught fire.
Investigations are still under way into what caused the fire, but is believed to have started after aluminium magnesium alloys were caused to self-combust.
Crews from Cannock, Brewood, Abbots Bromley and West Midlands attended the scene and were stationed there overnight.
Incident commander Ian Housley said: "We were called around 9.30am and initially three fire appliances attended the scene, however, it soon became apparent that we needed more back-up and a further five appliances arrived on scene.
"There was a very big pile of scrap metal with magnesium and different oxides on fire, which make it very dangerous and difficult to contain.
"We had huge intense fireballs and that has meant we have had to go in and out of the building throughout the day to try and scale it down.
"Water cannot be put on magnesium because it will just add fuel to the fire so we are having to use dry foam."
Between 40 and 50 tons of sand had to be brought to the scene to try and smother the fire at the 34-year-old business.
Staff from nearby offices were evacuated as the fire grew and workers were forced to move their cars.
Flames could be seen coming from the large bay doors into the unit and a cordon was put in place to stop people getting near.
Chief executive Miles Brough said: "The business has been on the estate for more than 30 years and this is the first time a fire has broken out on this kind of scale.
"We have had small incidents in the past but nothing like this.
"I took the decision to evacuate staff because their safety is paramount and I am not allowing anyone back into the building until the fire has been contained.
"We have 12 buildings on site and this is the only one that has been affected."
Staff working at nearby Nick Thorpe Boat Building spoke of their shock and said the smell from the fumes had affected their breathing.
Owner Nick Thorpe said: "The smell coming from the unit is really bad. We don't know what we are breathing in.
"I've never seen so many fire engines or so much smoke. It has completely covered the estate and bits of debris have been falling from the sky.
"I haven't ever seen anything on this scale with so many firefighters and engines."
Firefighters were expected to remain at the scene until this morning.
The service is working with the Environment Agency in an attempt to prevent any pollution to local watercourses.
