A huge fire is underway at a city factory - with smoke being seen from across Birmingham.
A total of 45 firefighters raced to the scene on Hooper Street, Winson Green, this afternoon (Saturday, July 20).
Fire crews were called at 12.37pm as dozens reported seeing large plumes of thick black smoke from miles around.
The blaze has so far been pictured from Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham City Centre and Hockley.
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Key Events
No injuries reported
No injuries have been reported but nearby residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Roads remain blocked
Our reporter, who was live at the scene, told us that a large emergency presence will remain at the site for a number of hours.
Flames could be seen for miles around, say eyewitnesses
This amazing picture, which was taken by @SnapperSK, shows the huge task faced by fire crews battling the blaze.
Fire crews still at the scene
Nine fire engines – and two hydraulic platforms – dashed to the scene at around 12.30pm after the fire began to rip through the factory.
Hospital statement
The City Hospital has issued a statement.
It urges people to stay away from the area if possible.
For the full story, click here
Hydraulic platforms in use
Our reporter Graham Young is currently at the scene of the huge blaze.
He said:
There will be a multi-agency meeting at 3.30.
Nine appliances and support crews here including one high volume unit and two hydraulic platforms.
Fire ‘surrounded’ but no firefighters have been in - a derelict unit containing what they think was domestic rubbish. They have no fire safety record for the building and do not know what it is.There will be a multi-agency meeting at 3.30. Nine appliances and support crews here including one high volume unit and two hydraulic platforms.
Fire ‘surrounded’ but no firefighters have been in - a derelict unit containing what they think was domestic rubbish. They have no fire safety record for the building and do not know what it is.
WMAS outside Old Windmill Pub
WMAS and fire engines can be seen outside The Old Windmill pub as the smoke continues to fill the air nearby.
City Hospital open but 'road access limited'
Access to City Hospital has reportedly been closed off to motorists.
Ambulances can still access the hospital but no other motorists are being permitted to travel past a newly erected cordon.
City hospital remains open for patients and firefighters are currently flying a drone around the scene in order to later study images.
Water is being pumped from a local canal for the second time in three days following a major fire on Role Street in Smethwick on Wednesday which was also close to a waterway.
Fire remains out of control
Video footage, taken from various different locations, captures the smoke as it continues to billow from the factory - hours on.
Over two hours on from WMFS control’s first call to the blaze, it is still out of control.
Dudley Road now shut
We are hearing reports that Dudley Road is now shut off along with Western Road - where the fire began earlier this afternoon.
A source at the scene says the road, in which City Hospital is situated, is now closed.
Incredible close-up scenes
An enormous grey cloud fills the sky on Western Road, as bright orange flames flicker within it in the latest pictures from the scene.
Public urged to stay indoors
Locals living near the blaze are being urged to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed.
For the full story, click here
Smoke from Rowley Regis
Readers’ pictures are continuing to flood in, with different view points of the factory fire from across Birmingham and the Black Country too.
The smoke has now been pictured from Rowley Regis.
Flames and black smoke
A lengthy stream of black smoke and even flames could be seen from the Library of Birmingham just half an hour ago.
Pictured from The Mailbox
Another BirminghamLive reader has got in touch with an image taken from The Mailbox in the city centre.
Western Road blocked
Western Road is currently blocked off by a fire engine and a WMFS cordon.
An image just taken at the scene captures the large red engine as it shuts off the street.
Firefighters are seen manning the cordon while a enormous grey cloud sits in the near distance.
Fire from Druids Heath
The fire can even be seen from across Birmingham all the way in Druids Heath.
A vast landscape, filled with hundreds trees and homes, sits between the smoke and the cameraman.
The grey plumes are seen flying across the sky in the horizon of this astonishing image below.
The scene from Dudley Road
This is the scene near St Patrick’s school on Dudley Road near to the City Hospital.
A large black cloud is seen hanging over trees on the street in an image taken by a local..
Heavy traffic around the hospital
Motorists have been warned of congestion surrounding City Hospital as WMFS work to tackle the nearby blaze.
Heavy traffic is to be expected along Dudley Road.
A tweet from the fire service read:
Due to the fire please be aware that traffic will be heavier than normal on the Dudley Rd, Winson Green.
Advice to residents
Residents are being urged to keep their windows and doors shut while the fire crews battle the inferno at the factory.
Anyone within the vicinity of the blaze should take care not to inhale the smoke.
The fire service earlier said:
If you live nearby, please close doors and windows as a precaution.
Blaze near City Hospital
The fire has started near to City Hospital on Dudley Road, Winson Green.
Fire crews were called to a factory along Western Road shortly after 12.30pm today.
The blaze is just a five minute walk and less than a minute’s drive from the major hospital.
Smoke seen from 15 miles away
Grey smoke can be seen billowing into the sky from as far as 15 miles away.
A resident who lives in Chelmsley Wood has pictured this scene, capturing the fire from a lengthy distance.
Large fire at Winson Green factory
Good afternoon.
We are hearing news of a huge fire which has sparked in a Winson Green factory.
Huge plumes of smoke are being spotted and pictured from across Birmingham.
A total of nine fire crews are currently at the scene on Western Road, West Midlands Fire Service said.