40 firefighters tackle Wednesbury factory fire

Crews from across the Black Country rushed to StrutDirect Ltd in Alma Street at around 6am after a 999 call.

The fire spread to around 25 per cent of the building, with one woman nearby being treated for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters were on the scene within seven minutes of the first call.

Watch Commander Simon Wheatley said: "The fire started in large machinery in the workshop area.

"The cause is yet to be established, but fire investigations are ongoing with help from staff and the business.

"Fortunately the business is up and running and that's down to the assertive work of the fire service.

"Nobody was injured because the don't trade through the night.

"The fire was out under an hour.

"It's quite a significant fire with a lot of damage which was mostly inside, but there's a bit of structural damage.

"We've managed to save some of the quite valuable machinery which has allowed the business to continue production."

A spokesman for the West Midlands Fire Service added: "It was a factory fire.

"The fire had involved 25 per cent of the building and it was 100 per cent smoke-logged.

"There was a female at the scene who was checked up for minor smoke inhalation and was given the all clear."

The road was blocked off between its junction with St Luke's Road, in front of The Village Inn, as crews battled the blaze.

A total of 12 firefighters used breathing apparatus, while one water jet and a hydraulic platform was also used.

Crews remained at the scene throughout the morning damping down and checking for hot spots.

The cause is not yet known, the fire service said.