Fireworks raiders could have sparked catastrophic blaze at Bescot Retail Park
Thieves who broke into a container full of fireworks could have sparked a 'catastrophic' blaze and evacuated Walsall's Bescot Retail Park, fire chiefs have warned.
A compound at the back of JTF Mega Discount Warehouse was broken into last week and a locked container packed with fireworks was targeted.
A blaze broke out inside the unit, which firefighters believe was caused by a petrol-powered saw used to cut open the doors, setting alight packets of rockets.
But thanks to the swift and brave actions of firefighters a major incident was avoided.
Walsall watch commander Andy Morgan said: "It could have been a very, very serious incident causing serious injuries to members of the public and firefighters in particular who were put in a very dangerous situation."
The break-in at around 11pm last Wednesday triggered an alarm that prompted staff at the business to try and tackle the flames but they were eventually forced to call 999.
Commander Morgan added: "The thieves had got into the compound and used a petrol-powered saw to try and gain illegal entry to the explosive fireworks and consequently set fire to the packaging to the fireworks in there.
"We had to make a decision then whether to attack the fire or whether to withdraw to a safe area. We would be talking about a 500m evacuation zone. There was over half a tonne of explosives in there.
"I would have evacuated all of the neighbouring businesses and if there had have been a football match on at the Bescot Stadium I would have evacuated that as well."
Firm spokeswoman Rachel Cryan confirmed £7,000 worth of the stock was damaged. She said: "
The fire brigade swiftly attended the premises and the fire was immediately contained. There was no theft of fireworks and we're thankful that no-one was injured."
A 29-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, has been bailed until December 16.
