Wolverhampton factory fire: Businesses speak of disruption and near misses after massive fire which could be seen from M6 destroys factory unit
One of the biggest fires to happen in the West Midlands has left an impact on businesses based nearby.
The fire, which broke out in a unit on Sunbeam Street in Wolverhampton at around 7am, saw more than 20 fire engines and other fire service equipment attend the scene, with firefighters working through the night to tackle the blaze.
The incident saw a smoke cloud rise into the air which was visible from as far away as Codsall, Bridgnorth and the M6 Toll Road and completely destroyed the unit, as well as a large number of adjacent properties on nearby Upper Villiers Street.
Just over 24 hours later, fire crews were still working to dampen down the unit and buildings, with the unit a smouldering and gutted shell and buildings on Upper Villiers Street suffering severe damage from fire and smoke.
Despite the ferocity of the fire, there were still a number of businesses in and around the industrial estate that escaped unscathed from the fire, albeit in some cases not able to open due to external building concerns and direction from West Midlands Fire Service.
Kris Rivett owns Vertex Industrial Products, which is based alongside Jooced and Express Bodyworks in a unit at the front of the estate on Upper Villiers Street.
He said that while he wasn't able to use the building due to structural concerns on the other buildings, his business and several others had escaped without any damage.
