West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed that the cause of a major factory fire in Wolverhampton remains undetermined because the affected building is too dangerous for investigators to enter. The blaze, which erupted on Sunbeam Street in the Blakenhall area on January 14, sent smoke visible for miles, but while the flames were extinguished long ago, Upper Villiers Street remains closed 170 days later due to safety concerns over a Grade II-listed building.
Fire cause unknown due to unsafe building
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) told BirminghamLive: "The state of the building after the fire made it too dangerous for our investigators to enter. This means the cause of the fire will remain undetermined until and unless new information is shared with us."
Community campaigner Paul Birch, a former Blakenhall ward councillor, expressed frustration: "I understand all fires leave buildings unsafe, it makes you wonder how any fire is ever investigated."
Impact on local businesses and community
Birch noted that Upper Villiers Street is usually a "busy road" serving as a vital route to Tesco, St John's Retail Park, the Royal School Wolverhampton, St Luke's Primary School, and "two of the region's most important gurdwaras." He added: "That is causing real harm to businesses that are facing closure unless they receive support from the local authority."
BirminghamLive visited Upper Villiers Street in April, where businesses reported significant impacts from the ongoing closure.
Council response and next steps
A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesperson said: "Upper Villiers Street is temporarily closed following a fire on private land in January and ongoing safety concerns over the stability of a damaged Grade II Listed building. A structural report submitted by the owners - reviewed by Historic England and other consultees - requires further information from the owners before an application for Listed Building Consent can be determined. Until this is resolved, the road must remain closed to ensure public safety."
The council has reminded the owners of their legal responsibilities and has been in regular contact with affected businesses, including help with applications for Vibrant High Street Grants.
