‘Avoid the area’: Major fire in Walsall at fireworks storage unit - latest update as roads reopen

West Midlands Fire Service is dealing with a major blaze at a fireworks storage unit in Walsall.

Firefighters said they were making steady progress at the scene of a commercial unit on Pleck Road - roads around this area were closed this morning (Friday, December 5) - but are now open again.

A multi-agency briefing took place with emergency services last night as teams work together to support the management of the blaze.

West Midlands Roads said that the blaze was near Walsall Manor Hospital and warned road users that the road had been closed last night and to 'expect delays' this morning.

WMFS posted it's latest update at 8.10am this morning saying: "Two fire engines currently remain at the scene, damping down hotspots.

"There were no casualties or injuries. A structural engineer will attend the site this morning to assess damage. Fire Investigations will be ongoing over the weekend and into next week."

West Midlands Police said:  "We are assisting our fire colleagues with the road closures." 

Earlier a spokesperson for WMFS said at 11:58pm: “Crews are continuing to use high-pressure jets to suppress remaining hotspots.

“By around 12.30 am, the number of fire engines in attendance will begin to reduce to five, and a hydraulic aerial platform.

“Pleck Road remains closed at this time, and we continue to ask people to avoid the area.”

Earler WMFS said: "We are currently responding to a significant fire in a fireworks storage unit on Pleck Road, Walsall.

"We were called to the incident shortly after 8.27pm on Thursday 4 December. Our first fire engine arrived within three minutes of being mobilised.

"Currently, we have 11 fire engines, two brigade response vehicles and a hydraulic aerial ladder platform in attendance. The incident involves a fire in a commercial unit approximately 100 metres by 30 metres in size. The unit is understood to contain fireworks, stock and wooden pallets. Firefighters are tackling the blaze, with at least five main jets and the hydraulic aerial platform in use.

"West Midlands Police are supporting us at the scene with traffic management. A fire service drone is being used to provide aerial situational awareness, and partner agencies, including the Environment Agency, National Grid and the local authority, have been informed. There are no known casualties at this time."

This is a breaking news story we will bring you further updates as soon as we receive them