More than 40 firefighters were still tackling a major blaze at a Black Country battery recycling centre today.
Last night a dozen crews from across the West Midlands were called to G&P Batteries on Crescent Works Industrial Park, Wednesbury, shortly after 7pm.
A 200ft cordon was set up around the building, which has now partially collapsed, as a number of small explosions occurred as the flames spread through the building, which contained a large number of batteries.
Several road closures around the site remain in place as fire crews try to contain pockets of fire, and are expected to be enforced throughout the day.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said that the blaze was not being treated as suspicious at this stage.
He added: "Early indication is that the fire was an accident and we’re still advising people to stay away from the area as there is still much acrid smoke.
"People should keep all doors and windows closed and stay inside. Our crews will be at the site all day."
Nobody was in the building when the fire broke out, but paramedics and a West Midlands Ambulance Service team which specialise in dealing with hazardous chemicals remained at the scene as a precaution.
An ambulance service spokesman said: "Part of the Black Country route, passing the industrial estate was closed overnight.
"Two firefighters tackling the blaze suffered minor injuries and were immediately treated by the awaiting ambulance crew. The firefighters then remained on scene and continued to deal with the fire.
"The worst of the fire appears to be over. Ambulance staff left the scene shortly after 2.45am but fire crews are expected to remain at the scene for the rest of today."
A G&P Batteries spokeswoman said that the company was looking at contingency plans to keep the business running.
She said: "Currently we are unable to access the premises until the fire authorities authorise us to do so. Therefore we have been unable to assess the full extent of the damage.
"However our fleet is unaffected and waste battery collections are continuing today and as soon as we are allowed to re-enter the premises business will continue."
