Fire engulfs factory near M6 as huge plume of smoke seen for miles across major motorway

Fire crews have advised nearby residents to avoid the area and close doors and windows if affected by the smoke.

An emergency evacuation point has been set up on Wood Lane and a cordon has been erected by West Midlands Police.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire is contained in a two-storey steel frame sports equipment factory. The entire roof and first floor have been affected by fire. Site personnel have confirmed a full roll call has been completed and everyone has been accounted for.

"Firefighters in breathing apparatus are working across multiple sectors to prevent fire spread. The hydraulic aerial platform is in use.

"An emergency evacuation point has been set up on Wood Lane and a cordon has been erected by police colleagues."

The fire is near, but not affecting, the Esso Birmingham Terminal. The terminal was built in 1962 and has 17 above-ground main storage tanks with a combined capacity of 50,000 cubic metres, reports BBC News.

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Staff from Poundland near the site told BirminghamLive they were asked to leave their shop around 3.45pm. They added that while the fire seems to be dying down, smoke can still be seen rising from the scene.

Centre manager at The Fort Shopping Centre Troy Yeoman said: "We made the decision to evacuate because of the proximity of the fire to the back.

"Most of the staffs' cars are in the staff car park at the back of the building. The fire side. The building on fire is by our service road.

"We are waiting for the police and fire brigade to let us know when staff can go back in their building."

Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the day.