Crews remain at scene of large factory fire

Firefighters will remain at the scene of a huge factory fire in Oldbury for the remainder of Saturday.

West Midlands Fire Service said it was called to a large industrial unit fire on Rood End Road Industrial Estate at about 05:30 BST on Saturday.

At its height, more than 60 firefighters were working to put out a blaze, with ten engines and two hydraulic platforms, along with specialist units.

Shortly after 11:00 BST on Saturday, the service said it had brought the fire under control, and was working to fully extinguish hotspots.

It said once this had been completed, an investigation into the fire would begin.

The service added that the factory building, which manufactures windows and doors, was structurally unsafe to enter. It confirmed that crews would tackle the fire from outside.

It advised residents to avoid the area, adding that there was a significant cordon in place.

Station commander, Steve Lees said: "It was a really well developed fire.

"There was a lot of heat and smoke being generated and it quickly burnt through the roof."

Sandwell Council will arrange for the decontamination of a nearby road, after it said the premises may have had an asbestos cement roof.

The authority said it was possible that some of the materials had been released in the smoke plume and deposited in ash and debris onto a section of Pel Crescent.

However, it added, the UK Health Security Agency said it was of no particular health concern.

It added that if ash or debris from the fire was found by residents, they should leave it alone and call the authority. If it is absolutely necessary to move it, the council advised damping down the debris using water, using protective gloves and to double-bag any debris.

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