A large fire in the industrial area has led to the evacuation of the retail park in Birmingham

On the afternoon of Wednesday July 17, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) received reports of a fire at Hastingwood Industrial Park, Erdington, as thick black smoke could be seen for miles around. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story steel frame sports equipment factory on fire.

Overnight, more than 100 firefighters, including those using breathing apparatus, assisted by drone operators, high-volume pumping units and hydraulic aerial platforms, tackled the blaze. After initial work to prevent the spread of the fire, the fire was brought under control and by the afternoon of the following day, the WMFS fire investigation team could begin their work.

Such was the extent and location of the fire that the Fort Commercial Park, located next to the affected factory, was evacuated. Talking to Birmingham MailCenter manager at the Fort, Troy Yeomans, released a statement Thursday evening saying: “yesterday afternoon following a large fire at a business park behind The Fort Shopping Park, the park was evacuated as a precaution at 3.30pm. It quickly became clear that this was a major incident, with 12 fire engines on the scene to control the blaze.

“The police and fire department then decided that the park should remain closed for safety reasons for the rest of the day. Although there was little risk from the fire itself, the smoke and debris posed a major risk, especially in and around the fire. our service areas and staff parking Considering the extent of the fire, it is a great relief that no injuries were reported.

“The evacuation went fantastically well and I would like to thank all the stores, staff and customers of the Fort for ensuring that this happened in a safe and orderly manner. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the park, my team, for making a very challenging and sometimes chaotic situation both manageable and controlled.

“We are all incredibly grateful to the fire and police services for their help and hard work.”

He went on to confirm that the building affected by the fire will be demolished to allow firefighters to ensure the safety of the entire site, but that this will not affect the reopening or operation of the shopping complex.

A WMFS spokesperson later confirmed that “oYour fire investigators believe the fire started accidentally and was electrical in nature.”