A massive fire involving 4 factory units in Wolverhampton tackled by over 100 firefighters was started deliberately, investigators have said.
It saw a string of active businesses engulfed in the blaze with business owners speaking of the disruption it has caused to their livelihoods in the run-up to Christmas.
And now investigators from West Midlands Fire Service say they believe the fire was started deliberately – with crews set to remain at the scene for the next 24 hours to ensure there are no further flare-ups.
West midlands fireserce said “Just after 9 pm on 5 December 2022, we were called to a large fire said to involve a derelict factory at Lower Horseley Fields, Wolverhampton.
The entire factory, measuring approximately 15m x 30m, is involved in the fire.
Four fire engines initially responded. Our response was quickly increased due to the scale of the fire, and we now have more than 20 of our appliances in attendance. Two hydraulic platforms are also being utilised as our crews continue to tackle the blaze.
Just after 10 pm, we declared this a major incident, due to the size of the incident and its proximity to the nearby railway line and houses.
If you live in the local area, please keep windows and doors closed.
We are working with other agencies, such as Police, Ambulance and Network Rail, as we continue to deal with this incident.”
“Good progress is being made. Currently five fire engines, two hydraulic platforms and our incident command unit remain in attendance.
Water is being drawn from a local canal as part of the operation.
We are working closely with Network Rail, Cadent engineers, West Midlands Police and Walsall Council. Multi-agency briefings have been taking place and a demolition plan is being created for the safe removal of a structurally unstable perimeter wall.
Road closures are to remain in place; gritters were requested and the road area has now been treated to prevent freezing as the temperature drops overnight.
Our drone team continue to aid in firefighting operations and our specialist hazardous materials advisors are monitoring the scene, supported by the Environment Agency.”
