Derelict factory fire, Moat Street, Willenhall
Around 50 firefighters tackle derelict factory blaze in Willenhall
Moat Street, Willenhall, UK
Shortly before 5.40am on Tuesday (6 August), we responded to Moat Street, Willenhall, Walsall. Ten fire engines, a 4×4 brigade response vehicle and a hydraulic aerial platform initially responded, crewed by around 50 firefighters. A two-storey derelict factory, measuring approximately 55m x 50m, had been entirely affected by fire. A cordon, measuring around 30m was erected due to the building’s partial collapse and remains in place. Five properties were evacuated as a precuation due to their proximity to the fire. Houses were unaffected by fire. Three main jets have been in use as firefighters continue to work at the scene. At present, 11 fire engines, a 4×4 brigade response vehicle, a high-volume water pumping unit and two hydraulic aerial platforms are at the scene. Firefighters have been supported by drone operations. Newhall Street at Cemetery Road is closed. There are no casualties or injuries. A multi-agency briefing has taken place with Police, National Grid, Cadent and Severn Trent colleagues.
Updates for this incident
Residents of Moat Street that had been evacuated are allowed back into their homes. Good progress is being made with a visible reduction in smoke and fire. Two hydraulic aerial platforms remain in use as we continue to damp down. Road closures remain in place.
Three fire engines and two hydraulic platforms continue to damp down at this incident. Moat Road, Newhall Street and Cemetery Road remain closed.
Two fire engines will remain at this incident overnight. Hydraulic aerial platforms will be released from this incident shortly, with crews having made good progress damping down the entire site.
Firefighters have remained at this incident overnight and this morning, extinguishing hotspots. A thermal scan has been carried out this morning and no hotspots remain.
The site wasn’t structurally safe enough for our Fire Investigator to enter and thoroughly examine. However, it is currently believed the fire was started deliberately.
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