Sleepless night for horrified Kidderminster residents after factory fire

Around 100 firefighters were sent to industrial units on the street after a blaze broke out yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, September 8).

The fire is believed to have affected Betts Metals among other Kidderminster businesses. 

Residents had to evacuate their homes and make alternative living arrangements for the night whilst firefighters battled the flames.

Park Street resident Kate Stevens, aged 54, said: "We were allowed back in our homes around 8am this morning.

"We were in the garden - I was chatting to my neighbour over the wall and we just couldn't believe it.

"The smoke and flames were horrendous and we all started to panic. I really was quite frightened.

"If the wind was blowing the other way these houses wouldn't be here."

Firefighters at the scene this morning

Buba Shaka, aged 41, returned home this morning after having to stay at a friends' home overnight.

He said: "I came back from jogging, I had a shower and I started to fall asleep on the sofa.

"Around 3pm my door was being knocked - it was the police. They told me to get out because there's a fire and it's going to explode.

"It was really scary - I could feel the heat. I couldn't sleep because I kept thinking about it.

"I hope it's never going to happen again."

Park Street resident Buba Shaka

Liza Parker, aged 47, was working at her home when she started to hear popping sounds.

She said: "I assumed it was skips being emptied. This was just before 3pm.

"I got up and looked out the back garden and saw a plume of smoke. You could just see black smoke and flames."

Jackie Morgan, aged 55, said: "We are lucky none has been seriously injured. I was at work - it was all on Facebook.

"It just seemed to go up so quickly. We were lucky because my brother lives down the road. We stopped with him.

"The community spirit has been absolutely wonderful."

Euan Morgan, aged 22, described emergency service workers as "unsung heroes" and said he was concerned for the big and small businesses on the street.

Euan Morgan

Joshua Turner, aged 26, who lives in the Chapel Place building, was at work when the fire broke out.

He said: "I had my other half crying on the phone. She said it was like a war zone.

"As long as everybody's lives are still intact that's all that matters.

"People have lost their livelihoods. we've got independent companies with no tools and no units.

"It's devastating. People who are self-employed have lost everything."