Large fire breaks out in Aldridge
[gallery] Fire ripped through an old oil tank today at the landmark site of a former iconic car parts factory.
Plumes of smoke could be seen coming from the old GKN building in Middlemore Lane, Aldridge.
Scores of firefighters tackled the blaze, which started at around 11.20am.
It is not yet known what caused the fire and an investigation has been launched.
Simon Barry, commander for the Black Country, said: "There has been a fire in an old storage tank which may have had some leftover oil in it.
"The smoke was quite bad and at one point could be seen from the A5.
"The crews had done a great job putting the fire out. Their actions have prevented it from spreading any further." The former GKN factory was once occupied by more than 200 workers. It was based in the town for more than 50 years before closing in 2010.
The firefighters used a hydraulic platform with a hose to tackle the blaze.
Simon Barry commander for Black Country North said crews cordoned off Middlemore Lane nearby which led a heavy build-up of traffic in the area, which is a major industrial estate.
Paramedics were also in attendance but no injuries were reported.
