Oldbury fire aftermath: Factory destroyed in blaze, residents must still avoid area one day on
Oldbury fire update: majority of Total Plastics factory destroyed, residents advised to avoid area but can open windows.
West Midlands Fire Service said in a message last night that its main response to the incident on Oldbury’s Rood End Road has now been ‘concluded’.
In the early hours of yesterday morning (May, 23), fire crews arrived at a single storey commercial premises.
The property was Total Plastics on Rood End Road Industrial Estate.
When the fire crews arrived they found that 85% of the building was involved in the fire.
West Midlands Fire Service said they tackled the fire in some challenging weather conditions - having to use specialist equipment.
Residents no longer need to keep windows and doors closed.
Though, the fire service has warned people to avoid the area.
This is on the back of a warning from Sandwell Council who said in a statement that the premises may have had an asbestos cement roof.
The council said that it was possible that some of these materials may have been released in the smoke plume and deposited in ash and debris on a section of Pel Crescent.
Sandwell Council will be assessing the situation and arranging for decontamination of the area – likely early next week.
If debris must be moved urgently, residents should:
- Dampen it with water first
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming
- Wear gloves
- Double-bag larger pieces before disposing of them
- Avoid mowing lawns if dust is present until it has been cleared
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as breathing difficulties, coughing, or watery eyes should contact their GP or NHS 111.
Fire crews will revisit the area in the days ahead to monitor for hot spots and start investigating the cause of the fire.
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