Redditch fire: Huge plumes of smoke fill the sky as firefighters tackle factory blaze

Ten crews and specialist officers have been battling the blaze in Redditch, Worcestershire since 5.10am this morning

At least 50 firefighters are tackling a fire at a factory early this morning as residents said they felt their houses shake after hearing a “popping sound.”

Ten crews and specialist officers have been battling the blaze in Redditch, Worcestershire since 5.10am this morning.

Al Jones told the BBC his “whole house shook and the dog started barking” shortly after the fire broke out.

He said: “Then I started hearing a popping sound, it sounded like a gun or a car backfiring.”

I have added that it had a very “plasticky” smell.

Photos of the seen show showed thick black smoke rising high into the air near houses as nearby residents have been told to keep their doors and windows closed.

The blaze was said by a witness to be based inside a factory unit.

The fire started in a manufacturing business before spreading to other units involving oxygen and propane cylinders, BBC reports.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Service: “Please keep doors and windows closed if you are within the smoke plume and stay away from the area if possible – Padgetts Lane is closed to traffic. More details as we have them.”

North Worcestershire Police tweeted: “We are aware that @HWFireControl are dealing with a significant fire on Padgets Lane #Redditch. Please avoid the area & those nearby should close windows and doors.”

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