Dozens of firefighters tackle factory blaze near Oldbury
Flames ripped through a Black Country factory destroying thousands of items of clothing donated to charity and bringing an industrial estate to a standstill.
Plumes of smoke bellowed more than 50ft high as more than 35 firefighters tackled the blaze at the Unit 54B factory premises off Hainge Road, Tividale.
Business workers watched on from behind cordons and a nearby firm was evacuated as a precaution as nine fire crews descended on the site, filling the road with fire engines.
A manager from a neighbouring business dialled 999 to alert crews after thick black smoke set off fire alarms in their own premises.
The severity of the blaze forced West Midlands Fire Service to call in extra crews after teams from Dudley and Oldbury were initially called at around 11am yesterday.
Crews from Tipton, Aston, Ladywood, Brierley Hill and Handsworth joined them at the scene.
Fire crews drafted in support from West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics in case of any safety concerns for firefighters.
Police were also called in to help tape off the site, while teams set to work dampening down flames at the single storey unit.
Fire officers remained at the site for six hours and brought in machinery to help move piles of clothes to ensure flames were doused underneath.
