Fire investigators are set to continue their work over the coming days following a dramatic and explosive blaze at a Walsall industrial unit reportedly packed with fireworks.
Night of Flames and Explosions
West Midlands Fire Service dispatched a major response of 55 firefighters to Pleck Road on the evening of Thursday, December 4. The incident unfolded at the Manor Industrial Estate just after 8.30pm, with flames rapidly engulfing a storage unit.
Residents reported hearing loud explosions as the fire took hold, believed to be caused by fireworks stored inside the building. The fire service confirmed the unit was understood to contain not only fireworks but also stock and wooden pallets, which fuelled the intense blaze.
Firefighters' All-Night Battle
Crews worked tirelessly through the night to bring the substantial fire under control. Authorities urgently advised the public to avoid the area around Pleck Road while the emergency operation was ongoing.
In a positive update issued at 8.10am on Friday, December 5, the fire service confirmed that there had been no casualties or injuries as a result of the incident.
By Friday morning, the immediate danger had subsided, but two fire engines remained on the scene to damp down any remaining hotspots. A structural engineer was also scheduled to attend to assess the damage to the building.
Ongoing Impact and Investigation
The aftermath of the fire continues to cause disruption in the local area. Pleck Road remains closed in both directions, leading to slow-moving traffic. National Express West Midlands has diverted its 36 and 39 bus services as a result of the closure.
The fire service has stated that a full investigation into the cause of the blaze will be a primary focus. Fire investigations are expected to be ongoing over the weekend and into next week as specialists work to determine how the fire started.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme hazards associated with the storage of explosive materials like fireworks, and the critical, rapid response required from emergency services to protect communities.
