Wolverhampton fire LIVE: Major factory blaze sending smoke plumes over city - residents speak of hearing 'explosions'
There have been reports of a major fire at a factory unit in Wolverhampton this morning (Wednesday).
It has sent smoke billowing over the city and nearby residents have also reported hearing explosions.
West Midlands Fire Service have confirmed the fire broke out at a unit in Sunbeam Street, near the junction of Upper Villiers Street at around 7.30am.
A spokesperson said: "Shortly after 7.30am on Wednesday we responded to Sunbeam Street, near the junction Upper Villiers Street in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton.
"We currently have eight fire engines, a 4×4 brigade response vehicle and a hydraulic aerial platform in attendance.
"Firefighters from Bilston, Fallings Park, Tipton, Willenhall, Haden Cross, Wednesbury, Dudley and Walsall are at the scene. The first crew arrived at the incident within three minutes of being mobilised.
"This is a fire in a factory building. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently tackling the fire."
Karl Geraghty, who lives nearby said: "There is thick black smoke and flames and I can hear explosions.
"It is clearly a major fire."
Catherine Pickett, of Penn, who was driving to work, said: "You can smell the fire in the air.
"There are flames and thick smoke and I can just hear sirens coming from every direction."
West Midlands Roads is reporting closures on Upper Villiers Street both ways between Marston Road and Sunbeam Street. It says: "Avoid the area near St Luke's Church."
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