Crews still at plant after recycling blaze

Families were forced to flee their homes when the fire at AWM Recycling Ltd in Western Way, Moxley, caused acrid black smoke containing asbestos to fill the skies.

The Health Protection Agency today said families should be vigilant and keep windows and doors closed to prevent contamination.

One fire crew from Bilston were at the site today to keep an eye on several hotspots that were still smouldering.

Investigation work will begin once the site is safe.

Police officer DI Gary Plant said there were signs of possible forced entry at the plant. "A door was found to be insecure at the back of the property but at the moment we are keeping an open mind as to how it happened," he said.

"It could be two days until fire investigators have finished their work."

"Until we know anything for definite, we will be treating it as a crime scene," the officer added.

At around 2pm yesterday, families were told they could return to their homes, while the A41 Black Country New Road reopened to traffic at around 5.15pm.

Gary Millard and his family were allowed back into their Unity Close home just after 2.30pm yesterday.

Gary, his partner Lisa and children Liam, 13, Paige 11, two-year-old Preston and 12 week old Archie had all gone to stay with a relative in Darlaston at 5.10am yesterday after the fire broke out.

The 37-year-old said he was pleased to be home and praised the emergency services for their efforts.

He said: "As soon as you walk out the door you can smell the smoke in the air.

"There's a bit of a black film on some of the surfaces outside. Some of the window sills are dirty and sooty.

"They've put a leaflet through the door warning us not to touch things and if we see any smoke damage they will come to wash things down for us."

Families are being warned to stay indoors and keep their windows shut.

The Health Protection Agency said residents should follow the stringent rules.

The site had an asbestos-cement roof and it is possible that these materials may have been deposited in ash or debris over the vicinity surrounding the industrial site. Dr Naveed Syed, consultant for the Health Protection Agency said: "It is important to reassure people that the risks to health are low.

"There is unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos following fires involving materials containing asbestos.

"There is no direct evidence of long-term health risks from fires involving asbestos containing materials but it is sensible that any asbestos containing debris is removed to minimise any potential exposure."

Walsall Council is arranging a clean-up of asbestos-containing materials burnt in the fire which may have dropped into the surrounding area.

Residents are being advised to contact Walsall Council if they find ash or debris from the fire on their property. They are advised to leave it alone and to contact the local authority on 01922 653348 so that cleaning can be arranged.

If residents living near the site of the blaze experience any symptoms in the next few days such as difficulty in breathing, watery eyes or cough then they should contact their own family doctor or telephone NHS direct on 0845 454647.