Customers shocked as Sedgley chippy temporarily closes after 'accidental' fire

Crews from West Midlands Fire Service rushed to Sedgley High Street to battle a blaze at Tasty Plaice chip shop at 9pm on Tuesday.

Ten employees and two customers were in the shop when the fire started. A 17-year-old was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Firefighters said the cause was believed to be accidental.

The blaze caused damage to the two flats above the shop but the occupants had left the premises before crews arrived.

Smoke from the fire could be seen billowing from the inside of the chip shop, with one man even pictured waiting for his order amid the smoke-filled takeaway.

The takeaway will be closed until Monday.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Shortly before 9.55pm on Tuesday 11 July, we responded to a fire in a fish and chip shop on High Street, Sedgley.

"Three fire engines from Brierley Hill, Tipton and Dudley responded, crewed by 15 firefighters. The first crew reached the scene within five minutes of being mobilised."

Residents nearby said they could see the smoke from several streets away.

The spokesperson continued: "This was a fire in the frying area of the shop, which spread to the ventilation tubing above the cooking station. The fire caused smoke damage to two flats above the shop. Occupants of the flats had evacuated prior to our arrival, as had ten employees and two customers who were in the shop when the fire started.

"Crews used three fire extinguishers and two hoses to extinguish the fire. Gas and electric supplies were isolated.

"A 17-year-old was treated by crews for smoke inhalation. He is believed to have been conveyed to Russell Halls Hospital for further treatment. There were no further injuries. It is believed that this incident started accidentally."

A spokesperson for Tasty Plaice said: "The fire wasn't too bad, we will just need to refer to an electrician.

"Everyone was okay, we are closed for today we will be open again on Monday."

Residents took to social media to share their dismay at the temporary closure of the chip shop, with one resident saying that "smoked haddock and blackened chips" are coming to the new menu.

Another posted: "I do like my chips well done."

One Facebook user called Tony added: "I did ask for the flaming chicken"

Another wrote: "There was a fight there the day before, two fish got battered."

Tasty Plaice, which is well-known for the Black Country's orange chips, has closed following the incident, but has said they will be back open on Monday.