Explosive fire breaks out at kiln

A fire in a kiln has caused an explosion at a business in the West Midlands.

Five fire crews are tackling the blaze which started at about 2000 GMT at the PBA Heat Treatment site on Bevan Road, Brierley Hill, near Stourbridge.

West Midlands Fire service said there was a large explosion at the site and it was believed acetylene cylinders had overheated and exploded.

West Midlands Ambulance said one fire officer had been hit by flying debris.

'Nasty' explosive

Senior ambulance officer Nathan Hudson attended the scene and said: "There was an explosion in the building and a number of people were working in there at the time.

"An ammonia cylinder exploded and narrowly missed hitting a worker that was stood there at the time.

"A fireman was hit by flying debris from the explosion but has refused treatment."

The ambulance service said the explosion was heard up to a mile away and a search and rescue team was called in but subsequently stood down.

West Midlands Fire Service said it was worried about the acetylene cylinders still inside the single storey, brick and steel building.

A spokesman said: "Acetylene is a nasty kind of explosive which is very reactive and takes 24 hours to make sure it isn't a fire risk anymore."

Crews remain at the scene and are expected to stay throughout the night.