A major incident was declared in the Midlands late on Monday night (December 5), as a huge fire ripped through multiple derelict factories.
More than 100 firefighters and over 20 appliances – including 18 fire engines – are still battling the blaze in Wolverhampton. West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said it is "a large fire within numerous derelict factories".
Two hydraulic aerial platforms are also at the scene, along with specialist paramedic resources and a Hazardous Area Response Team from the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMFRS), reports BirminghamLive.
A spokesman for WMFRS said: "Major incident declared in Horsley Fields, Wolverhampton. WMFS currently have 20 appliances and two Hydraulic platforms dealing with a large fire within numerous derelict factories. Please avoid the area if possible due to oncoming emergency services."
In a fuller statement, WMFRS said: "Just after 9pm on December 5, we were called to a large fire at a derelict factory at Lower Horseley Fields, Wolverhampton. The entire factory, measuring approximately 15m x 30m, is involved in 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 10pm, 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."
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