Large fire breaks out at factory as residents warned over fumes

A large fire has broken out in Staffordshire with thick black smoke seen in the sky.

Emergency services are on the scene following reports of a fire at a factory in Cannock.

Fire fighters are asking all residents to close their windows and doors due to the fumes and local businesses are being told to evacuate. Footage posted online shows plumes of dark smoke billowing into the sky.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “We have a very large scale incident close to the orbital islands in Cannock.

“We have 10 fire engines in attendance supported by specialist equipment and officers. Some road closures are in place. Fire fighters are asking all residents to close windows and doors due to smoke and all local businesses to evacuate.”

Emergency services were called to the blaze at Super Smart Service in Cannock at 6.15am. No-one was in the parcel distribution warehouse when the fire started, a spokesperson for the fire service confirmed.

Smoke is reportedly being carried high into the air and away from residents owing to the hot temperature, the fire service said. The temperature in Cannock on Thursday reached 21C, with the low pressure causing the smoke to rise.

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “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.

“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.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service 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.”

Super Smart Service was contacted for comment.

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