WATCH: Bilston blaze devastates industrial estate

Two large industrial units were completely destroyed, while three others suffered extensive fire damage when the fire took hold shortly after 2.30am yesterday morning at the Stag Industrial Estate in Oxford Street, Bilston.

Flames towering hundreds of feet into the sky could be seen for miles around during the early stages of the fire. At its peak 85 firefighters from 10 Black Country stations were deployed at the scene.

By mid-morning around 75 firefighters were still tending to the blaze, which caused the entire estate to be shut down. The fire is said to have caused hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage to businesses, many of which had to send workers home.

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A total of seven firms are thought to have been directly affected by the blaze, including All Appliance Centre, Stag Metals and Fibre-tech.

Some firms fear they may be forced to permanently close down as a result of the devastation caused by the blaze.

Police conducted a sweep of the site, while firefighters were finally able to enter the smouldering wreckage of the units by 12pm to check for casualties. No injuries have yet been reported. Residents living around the site were warned to stay inside their homes and keep their windows and doors closed as thick smoke bellowed into the sky.

Initially three crews had responded to the call, but reinforcements were called to the estate after they saw the full extent of the blaze.

Thousands of gallons of water had to be pumped onto the estate from a nearby canal using a high volume pump.

The operation was scaled down by early afternoon, although firefighters were expected to remain on site for the rest of the day.