Large fire breaks out at Bloxwich factory
[gallery] Thirty firefighters were this afternoon tackling a huge blaze at a factory in Bloxwich.
People living near to DF Jones in Willenhall Lane today described the dramatic moments the building went up in flames.
Sally Cooper, who captured the flames on her camera, was looking out of her window when she saw the fire take hold.
"I was looking out my kitchen window and saw some smoke then the next moment there was an explosion," she said.
"I called the fire brigade and when I was on the phone to them, the whole lot just went up."
The 51-year-old, who saw it unfold from her home in Coalway Road, said fire trucks arrived quickly, followed by a hydraulic platform. "There was lots of smoke coming out of the factory," she added.
"I was just worried it would spread to other buildings, my house is only one building away from it so I was a bit worried.
"First they had the normal fire trucks and then the one with the big arm to get up into the air. They were using a massive hose on it."
Early reports suggested workers were evacuated but it later emerged no one was in the factory at the time of the blaze and there were no reports of injuries. Fire crews from Walsall, Willenhall, West Bromwich and Bloxwich were called to the single storey brick building at around midday.
Five fire engines and a hydraulic platform were called to the scene.
West Midlands Fire Service said part of the building, where furniture is made, had collapsed.
Utility companies have been informed to isolate gas and electricity supplies.
The roof is made of cement asbestos and residents were told to keep their doors and windows closed. It is not yet known what sparked the blaze and an investigation was continuing this afternoon.
