Residents evacuated after severe fire at Walsall recycling plant
A Fire Service spokesman said 16 firefighters in breathing apparatus were tackling the blaze which involved large quantities of asbestos from the factory roof.
He said the incident at the factory, which contained paper and plastic for recycling, was being treated as suspicious.
A high-volume pumping unit was being used to try to remove asbestos.
West Midlands Ambulance Service incident commander Ham Patel said: “We haven’t got any casualties but we are standing by in the event that something does happen.
“Police evacuated part of the estate nearby with approximately 80 people going to stay with friends and family away from the site. A further 20 were housed at Darlaston Police Station.
“Residents have been urged to keep doors and windows shut as a precaution as the clean-up continues.
A spokesman for the service added: “The fire has caused a thick plume of acrid black smoke to move into a nearby housing area.
“So far there have not been any casualties from the fire itself though a handful of residents have been checked over, but thankfully no one has required hospital treatment.
“Ambulance staff will remain at the scene due to the large number of fire fighters tackling the blaze. The members of the HART team have specialist equipment in case it is required to enter the areas affected by the smoke.”
