Cannock fire latest as warehouse gutted and roads shut eight hours on from blaze

Naomi DeSouza
·3-min read

Crews from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service continue to battle a major blaze at a parcel warehouse in Cannock. The fire is reported to have broken out just after 6am on Thursday, May 9 near the A460 Orbital Island in Cannock.

Roads around the incident remain closed eight hours into the fire, which will be investigated once it is safe to do so. Thick plumes of smoke have billowed over the region today and all that is left of the vast industrial building is its gutted shell.

Towers of smoke were spotted off the M6 and residents from as far as Great Wyrley, Hednesford, Rugeley, Brownhills and Stafford all reported smoke and ash in their area.

READ MORE: Cannock fire shock as residents in neighbouring towns wake up to ash 'all over'

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What has the fire service said?

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service released the following update just after 2pm: "We can confirm that no-one has been reported injured and the building has been evacuated as firefighters continue to deal with an industrial fire in Cannock.

"Crews got a call just before 6.15am this morning (Thursday 9 May) to an address on Cley Road. Whilst we’re working hard to minimise the disruption on local businesses and residents in the area, we expect road closures to be in place in the area for some time."

A huge fire consumes an industrial unit off Blakeney Way in Cannock. A large fire service response was sent to the huge warehouse blaze shortly after 6am on Thursday, May 9 -Credit:Birmingham Live
A huge fire consumes an industrial unit off Blakeney Way in Cannock. A large fire service response was sent to the huge warehouse blaze shortly after 6am on Thursday, May 9 -Credit:Birmingham Live

Are roads still closed?

Yes, and fire chiefs have warned that drivers can expect those closures to remain in place for some time. The latest update from INRIX states: "Cley Road in both directions closed due to building fire between Blakeney Way and Hickling Road. Blakeney Way is also closed. Due to a fire in the industrial estate."

Ambulance response

A West Midlands Ambulance spokesperson said: “We were called at 6.36am by the fire service to Kingswood Lakeside in Cannock. Prior to our arrival, we were stood down as our assistance was no longer required.”

A tower of black smoke over Cannock on Thursday morning, May 9, after a major fire broke out at a parcel warehouse in the town -Credit:Matt Dutton of Drone Media Productions
A tower of black smoke over Cannock on Thursday morning, May 9, after a major fire broke out at a parcel warehouse in the town -Credit:Matt Dutton of Drone Media Productions

What have residents said?

We have heard from numerous residents today reporting what they have seen which shows the true scale of this fire. Lichfield resident Hayley Lowe got in touch with BirminghamLive to say she was greeted with an ash-covered car as she did the nursery run this morning.

One couple camping by a pool on a nearby industrial estate said there was a huge explosion that woke them up about 06.10 hrs. It was "like a bomb going off" they said.

What is the latest advice for those affected?

The fire service has reassured residents that smoke is being carried away from residential areas, but have advised that people in the vicinity should still close their doors and windows.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service explained: "Luckily, the weather is playing into our favour and excess smoke is being carried high into the air and away from residents living nearby. We’re continuing to advise people who feel they are affected to close their windows and doors as a precaution whilst we continue to work at the scene.

"We’d like to thank people in the area for their patience and understanding following a period of disruption. The cause of the fire will be investigated once it’s safe to do so."

LIVE UPDATES HERE : Cannock fire live as shocked residents told 'stay inside' as smoke plume fills sky

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