Fire in built environment

This is the moment a building 'full of fireworks' exploded and forced a firefighter to flee. The wild video footage was taken as a huge blaze ripped through an industrial unit last night (December 4).The flames sent thick plumes of smoke into the night sky and bangs could also be heard from within as the fire took hold of the building, which was 'understood to contain fireworks, stock and wooden pallets'.The dramatic scenes unfolded at Manor Industrial Estate in Walsall, West Midlands, BirminghamLive reports. Footage, posted on social media, captured the moment a huge explosion lit up the sky as a shower of glowing hot debris came down.One firefighter was forced to run back, before urging members of the public to step away. In total, 55 firefighters were sent to the scene after the fire broke out at around 8.30pm on Thursday.Water from the nearby Walsall Canal was used to help douse the flames, with a hydraulic aerial platform also in use. West Midlands Police closed Pleck Road in both directions as a precaution.West Midlands Fire Service said in a statement just before midnight: "Firefighters continue to make steady progress at the scene of a commercial unit fire on Pleck Road, Walsall."A multi-agency briefing took place with partners, who are working together to support the safe ongoing management of the incident. Crews are continuing to use high-pressure jets to suppress remaining hotspots."By around 12.30 am, the number of fire engines in attendance will begin to reduce to five, and a hydraulic aerial platform. Pleck Road remains closed at this time, and we continue to ask people to avoid the area."