A major fire broke out at a parcel centre in Cannock, Staffordshire, prompting businesses in the nearby area to evacuate. Ten fire engines were sent to Super Smart Service on Cley Road near the A460 Orbital Island in Cannock. The fire sent a massive plume of smoke into the sky that was visible from 20 miles away.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service asked residents to close their windows and doors, while people were urged to steer clear of the area. Deputy chief fire officer Glynn Luznyj stated that firefighters would be tackling the “significant” fire for at least two days. The warehouse, measuring 38,000 sq m (45,448 sq yd), was entirely evacuated when the fire began.
Among the nearby retailers were Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, and Boots, however, the Sainsbury’s remained open during the fire. Electrical Test Midlands on Blakeney Way remained closed for safety reasons. Due to the scale of the fire, the operation would be ongoing for at least “another couple of days,” according to Mr. Luznyj.
Super Smart Service was established in the West Midlands in 2015 and launched its Cannock warehouse in 2019, providing more than 300 jobs. The company said it provided distribution and warehousing services to online sellers, and when fully operational, it could handle and dispatch up to 70,000 parcels per day.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at 06:36 BST but stood down its staff when they were told they were not needed. The train services in the area were not affected by the fire. Buses were diverted, with operator Chaserider posting on social media that they were compelled to divert service 3 via Lichfield Road, Cannock Road, Hednesford Road, and Walsall Road, and they were unable to serve Jerome Road.
The UK Health Security Agency urged local residents affected by the fire to keep their windows and doors shut, as well as to turn off their air conditioning and keep air vents closed when driving close by it. People in the area said they heard “loads of explosions” from the blaze, while one resident identified as Oscar described seeing “too much black smoke” and police closing the road when he arrived at his workplace close by at 08:00 BST
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