Cannock fire – updates: Firefighters warn over toxic contents at parcel warehouse as they battle huge blaze

In their latest statement, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service describe the blaze as a “large and significant fire” and confirm that no one has been reported injured.

Businesses have been told to evacuate and locals have been urged to keep their windows shut as the blaze continues, with firefighters warning of toxic contents within the parcel warehouse.

Glynn Luznjy from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service told ITV News: “It’s very dangerous in terms of the situation close to it. Our firefighters have taken defensive measures to make sure the fire is contained, it won’t spread any further”.

In their latest statement, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We can confirm that no-one has been reported injured and the building has been evacuated as firefighters continue to deal with an industrial fire in Cannock.

“Crews got a call just before 6.15am this morning (Thursday 9 May) to an address on Cley Road.

“Whilst we’re working hard to minimise the disruption on local businesses and residents in the area, we expect road closures to be in place in the area for some time.

“Luckily, the weather is playing into our favour and excess smoke is being carried high into the air and away from residents living nearby. We’re continuing to advise people who feel they are affected to close their windows and doors as a precaution whilst we continue to work at the scene.”

Cannock Orbital shopping centre has been forced to close this morning as a result of the large blaze.

Located near the A460 Orbital Island, the centre has a number of shops including Boots, Homebase and Sainsbury’s.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has asked local businesses to evacuate and residents have been told to close their windows.

Staffordshire Police shared an update on behalf of fire and police, which said: “We are at the scene of a large warehouse fire in Cannock. Crews got a call just before 6.15am this morning (Thursday 9 May) to an address on Cley Road.

“We’ve currently got lots of firefighters down there alongside other colleagues from West Midlands Fire Service and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service to help bring the fire under control.”

One person wrote on social media that they’d heard a series of “explosions” during the early hours of the morning.

Another told BirminghamLive that residents in neighbouring towns had woken up to ash “all over” thier cars”.

Sam Winter, a 32-year-old scaffolder, captured footage of the fire. He said: “I drove out of Cannock Chase to a plume of smoke, so I drove all the way following it to get a video as my mum works across the road from there.”

Rob Humphries, who lives in Abbots Bromley, noticed smoke while out walking his dog.

The 36-year-old, who took a picture of what he saw, said: “I was out on the morning dog walk and spotted a huge plume of smoke in the distance.

“It appeared to be coming from the other side of Cannock Chase, in the direction of Cannock.”