Cannock fire pictures show scale of blaze as residents describe sound ‘like a bomb’

Residents living near the scene of a huge fire in the West Midlands recalled hearing what sounded like “a bomb going off” just after 6am today, May 9. Firefighters are battling a large scale fire this morning in Cannock, with a “large scale incident” declared by Staffordshire[1] Fire and Rescue Service. The blaze broke out near the A460 Orbital Island in Cannock[2] early this morning.

One couple camping by a pool on a nearby industrial estate said there was a huge explosion that woke them up about 06.10 hrs. It was “like a bomb going off” they said, and they proceeded to ring 999. LIVE UPDATES : Cannock fire live as shocked residents told ‘stay inside’ as smoke plume fills sky[3]

Get more breaking news by joining our BirminghamLive WhatsApp[4] community Footage appears to show the blaze has broken out at Super Smart Service, but we are awaiting official confirmation from emergency services. However there is widespread disruption across the area this morning.

Major fire in Cannock on Thursday morning, May 9 (Image: Richard Pursehouse)

Cannock Orbital shopping centre has also been evacuated along with all local businesses.

Full update here.[5][6] Dozens of West Midlands residents have been in touch with BirminghamLive this morning with pictures and videos to show the scale of the fire. Residents from as far as Great Wyrley, Hednesford, Rugeley, and Burntwood have been in touch.

Motorists from the M6 have also shared pictures of towers of smoke stretching over the motorway. The latest update from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is that the “very large” fire remains active near the Orbital area of Cannock. A service spokesperson said: “We have a very large scale incident close to the orbital islands in Cannock.

We have 10 fire engines in attendance supported by specialist equipment and officers. Some roads closures are in place. Fire Fighters are asking all residents to close windows and doors due to smoke and all local businesses to evacuate.”

We have asked West Midlands Ambulance if there are any injuries reported.

We are reporting on this major incident live, follow our updates here.[7]

References

1. ^ Staffordshire (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ Cannock (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ Cannock fire live as shocked residents told ‘stay inside’ as smoke plume fills sky (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ BirminghamLive WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com)
5. ^ Cannock (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
6. ^ here. (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
7. ^ here. (www.birminghammail.co.uk)