UPDATE: Employees safe after Blackpole Trading Estate blaze

ROADS remain closed around the site of a large fire on the Blackpole East Trading Estate which has seen firefighters from across the county tackle the blaze.

A total of 70 firefighters and 16 fire engines have attended the blaze which was reported to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service at 8.35am.

Police and paramedics are also in attendance although no casualties have been reported.

The 200,000 sq ft building is owned by ArrowXL, known has YodelXL before being rebranded, and the company confirmed all employees had been accounted for.

“The building has been evacuated and all colleagues have been accounted for and are safe and well, with the safety of our staff being our number one priority.” the statement read.

“Equally, plans are being finalised for our customers to move operations from Worcester to a group owned site,” the statement added.

Around 150 to 200 staff are based at ArrowXL’s Worcester hub at any one time, which handles deliveries for Midlands and South West.

Richie Jordan, Group Commander said: “Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are currently tackling a severe fire in a warehouse on the Blackpole East Trading Estate which is producing a significant amount of smoke.

“We would encourage members of the public to avoid the area and for local residents to keep their doors and windows shut.”

West Mercia Police Supt Kevin Purcell said officers were on the scene to support road closures in the area and to ensure the safety of local people.

Dave Throup from the Environment Agency said: “Contaminated fire water has reached Barbourne Brook and we have seen some impacts locally.

“We are working with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to minimise the environmental impact and prevent further run off”.

Dr James Chipwete, Consultant with Public Health England West Midlands said: “Residents in areas affected by the smoke should stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and tune in to the local radio station for advice and information.

“Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

“So far, there have been no reports of any people experiencing ill effects from this fire,” he added.