Walsall factory fire believed to have 'started accidentally' say fire service

Around 40 firefighters and eight fire engines attended a blaze at a commercial property in Westgate, Aldridge, at around 12pm following several 999 calls reporting a fire. 

The fire took place at the site of JC Payne, a factory that builds commercial vehicle parts. 

Crews with West Midlands Fire Service remained at the scene throughout the day, with structural engineers from Walsall Council and Cadent Gas engineers also in attendance. 

Now, West Midlands Fire Service have said that as of 5.07pm, only one crew remain at the scene, also saying that they believe the fire was started 'accidentally'.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: "One fire crew remains at the scene. We will make revisits throughout the night to check for any hotspots.

"The actions of the first crews to attend ensured that this fire was contained to an annexe used as a fibreglass workshop. Other parts of the building were unaffected.

"The fire is believed to have started accidentally."

Neighbouring workers described seeing a 'large plume of smoke' rising from the rear of the JC Payne building, with some saying the smoke could be seen rising high above the nearby buildings. 

Edward Maynard, 43, of Aldridge, said: "I saw the smoke when I came outside, there are a few buildings between us and that one, but you could see it high over the top of the other buildings.

"There's a lot of fire engines here. I haven't heard if anyone has been hurt at all, but I hope everyone is okay."

The fire service closed the incident as of 5.07pm, also confirming that no injuries were reported in relation to the incident.