The smoke from a fire at industrial units near Wolverhampton could be seen up to 15 miles away.
Image source, @willjohn91A major incident has been declared in Wolverhampton after a large fire engulfed a number of derelict factories near the city centre.
More than 100 firefighters have been working to contain the blaze in Horseley Fields with witnesses reporting hearing explosions.
West Midlands Fire Service was called just after 21:00 GMT on Monday.
The fire was so large it was reported being seen more than 15 miles away in Shropshire.
One woman, who lives in the Bradmore area of the city, around three miles (5km) from the scene of the fire, told BBC WM: “The sky is red.”
A man who lives in Barr Beacon, 11 miles (18km) away, called the radio station to report seeing “a big fireball go up” and “large flames”.
Image source, West Midlands Police
Trains into the city were cancelled because the scene of the blaze is close to the main railway line and Wolverhampton railway station.
Avanti West Coast apologised to passengers who reported being stuck on their trains for up to two hours and said services had resumed, via an alternative route, by 01:00.
National Rail said rail users passing through the area should expect delays of up to 60 minutes throughout Tuesday.
Several roads in Horseley Fields were shut and police urged people to stay away from the area.
Major incident declared in Horsley Fields, Wolverhampton. WMFS currently have 20 appliances and 2 Hydraulic platforms dealing with a large fire within numerous derelict factories. Please avoid the area if possible due to on coming emergency services.
— West Midlands Fire Service (@WestMidsFire)
Residents were told to shut windows and doors and Wolverhampton City Council has arranged for people living nearby to be evacuated to two leisure centres.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was also at the scene with “specialist resources” helping fire crews.
Huge fire in Wolverhampton, many explosions coming from within. pic.twitter.com/hFbR0cTVx1
— Nathan (@nathanfletch_)
