SHOCKING pictures show the shere scale of the Hoo Farm Industrial Estate fire.
The fire at Kidderminster’s Hoo Farm Industrial Estate remains a 'significant incident' for the multi-agency responders involved in tackling the blaze.
Darren Staunton sent in these dramatic pictures, which he took while flying his drone over MCD Kidderminster, showing the full extent of the fire.
Firefighters will remain at the scene overnight as they work to extinguish the last of the blaze.
Although activity has been scaled back, there are still six fire engines in place at the scene in addition to two aerial ladder platforms and other specialist vehicles.
Roads have now reopened in the area, with the exception of some on the Hoo Farm Industrial Estate itself.
The site has been fenced off to prevent public injury, as members of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service dismantle the former Midland Carpet Distributors’ building on Frederick Road.
This work could cause more smoke for a short time and is likely to raise dust in the immediate area.
Members of the public are asked to stay away from the site as the building is now unstable and strong winds are forecast, which could give rise to more flying debris.
Due to being unable to ventilate buildings, to remain COVID-19 secure, Kidderminster College and a number of schools in the area have closed temporarily today.
Group Commander Sam Pink from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: “We would like to thank our neighbouring fire services in Shropshire, Staffordshire and West Midlands as well as all of our other partners for their support.
“We would also like to thank the community for their support and patience during this incident.”
Sarah Smith, Health Protection Consultant with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in the West Midlands, said: “People in areas affected by smoke and dust from the fire on the Hoo Farm Industrial Estate in Kidderminster should stay indoors, and keep external doors and windows closed.
"Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep car windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep air vents closed, to prevent smoke entering the car.
"If people need to be outdoors, avoid or limit time spent in the area affected by smoke, ash and debris."
