Dozens of firefighters tackle blaze at skips firm

News imageMark Turnbull/BBC A red appliance with Fire & Rescue written across the front and blue lights flashing is parked on a road with hoses running across the street. Smoke is rising from behind a nearby fence. Several firefighters in uniform are working around the truck, and a number of other people in hi-viz jackets and white helmets are looking on.Mark Turnbull/BBC
Fire crews were called to the site early on Monday

Several roads remain closed in Wolverhampton this morning as dozens of firefighters tackle a large fire at a skips firm.

The blaze started at about 05:00 BST at Jones Skips, in Cross Street, and eight fire engines were sent by West Midlands Fire Service.

People were urged to avoid the area and the City of Wolverhampton Council said drivers should find alternative routes.

Diversions were put in place in Willenhall Road and Lower Horseley Fields due to partial closures, while Lower Walsall Street was also closed.

The council said there were also partial closures on Hickman Avenue and Commercial Road.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: "By 7.30, our firefighters were making good progress in bringing the fire under control."

They added they had used a mechanical grabber to break up and move some of the recycling material, and warned nearby homes and businesses to keep their doors and windows closed.

News imageREALRETAILUK A large plume of smoke can be seen over a treeline, behind a retail parkREALRETAILUK
Eight fire engines were sent to the fire

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