Massive blaze at Willenhall battery warehouse

Mar 26 2008 By Gary Marks

GAS cylinders and batteries exploded as firefighters tackled a blaze at a Midland factory.

The lead and acid batteries were being stockpiled for recycling at the huge single storey warehouse in The Crescent, Willenhall.

Twelve fire crews were called to tackle the fire at the G&P Batteries unit at about 7.30pm last night.

People in the neighbouring area were ordered to stay inside and not approach the building, although a fire service spokesman said they were not in immediate danger from explosion.

Firemen sprayed water from four hydraulic platforms onto the flames as they tore through a section of the factory.

Meanwhile five crews were called to a unit owned by Recyling UK Ltd in Darkhouse Lane, Coseley, Wolverhampton where plastic road barriers and cones, stored in an open yard.

Safety cordons were set up by firefighters and police to protect the public from acrid smoke from the burning plastic.

As the blaze was brought under control fire fighters discovered asbestos in the roof space of the building.

Members of the public were not thought to be in any danger from the asbestos.