FIREFIGHTERS are battling to get a huge fire in Kidderminster under control.
The fire at a derelict building in Park Lane is believed to have started at around 11.30am today (Saturday September 7).
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area, with six fire engines and an aerial ladder at the scene.
A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire Service said: "We have the fire in the derelict building in Park Lane Kidderminster surrounded however, advise local residents to continue to keep windows and doors shut whilst there is a smoke plume.
"Park Lane is blocked due to appliances, motorists and public please avoid."
Read our live blog on the incident: LIVE: Huge fire breaks out in Kidderminster
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police, who are also at the scene, said: "We are currently assisting our colleagues from Hereford & Worcester Fire And Rescue Service who are dealing with a building fire on Park Lane in Kidderminster.
"Due to the fire, the slip road to Matalan is currently closed and smoke may make driving around this area difficult."
Cllr Leigh Whitehouse said the fire was at "what appears to be the old timber yard on Park Lane.
He said: "Emergency services have closed the road and are in the process of dealing with it.
"Please avoid the area, I will be liaising with emergency services throughout the day and will ensure support is arranged for any affected local people.
"I can be contacted via Leigh.Whitehouse@wyreforestdc.gov.uk."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here