Redditch factory fire: Severe fire involves oxygen and propane - BBC News

2022-07-02 15:12:01 By : Ms. Mandy Xiao

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A Worcestershire factory has been almost completely destroyed by a fire involving oxygen and propane cylinders.

At its height more than 50 firefighters were sent to the metal manufacturing business on Padgets Lane in Redditch shortly before 05:00 BST on Friday.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said the significant blaze had covered an area of 50m by 40m.

Exploding cylinders had caused "extremely hazardous conditions", said the service.

Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene on Padgets Lane into the evening.

Al Jones said his "whole house shook and the dog started barking" shortly after the fire had broken out.

"Then I started hearing a popping sound, it sounded like a gun or a car backfiring."

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing out of the factory site.

It had a very "plasticky" smell, added Mr Jones.

An aerial ladder platform was used to to limit the spread of the fire from Redhill Manufacturing, the fire service said.

"Not only were the contents [of the factory] on fire, we also had a rapidly developing fire due to the involvement of propane and oxygen cylinders," said area commander George Marshall.

"There is significant damage to the majority of the property," he added.

Crews are continuing to work to extinguish pockets of fire and officers are at the scene investigating the cause.

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