A dramatic inferno at a Birmingham carpet factory lit up the night sky, prompting a major emergency response from the West Midlands Fire Service.
Fire Erupts on Industrial Estate
The significant blaze broke out at a large carpet storage unit on the Tyseley Industrial Estate on Steeleys Road, Tyseley. The fire service was first alerted at 19:13 on Wednesday, 7 January.
Dramatic pictures captured from a nearby railway station showed flames dominating the city's skyline as the fire took hold. The incident involved 100 per cent of a two-storey brick-built factory unit, measuring approximately 100 metres by 40 metres.
Major Fire Service Response
At the height of the incident, more than 75 firefighters were deployed to the scene. The initial response included fourteen fire engines, three hydraulic platforms, and various specialist units.
Crews used an array of equipment to battle the flames, including hydraulic platforms, aerial drones, and breathing apparatus. The fire service had warned it was likely to be a protracted incident.
By the following morning, resources had been scaled back, with seven crews remaining on site. A fire service spokesperson confirmed crews were making good progress, but noted that ten fire engines, a hydraulic platform, and other specialist equipment were still in use to fully extinguish the fire.
Ongoing Disruption and Safety Advice
The aftermath of the fire continues to cause significant disruption in the area. Partial road closures remain in place on Steeleys Road, and authorities strongly advise the public to avoid the area where possible.
Travel along Warwick Road is also affected, reduced to one lane between Manor Farm Road and Colebrook Road due to the use of a High Volume Pump by fire crews.
Residents are urged to keep windows and doors closed due to current smoke levels, with this advice expected to remain for the majority of the day following the blaze. The fire service reiterated its warning for local people to avoid the vicinity of the Tyseley Industrial Estate.
