A “significant” fire at a pork scratchings factory started accidentally, firefighters have said.
West Midlands Fire Service sent 13 fire engines and two hydraulic aerial platforms to the blaze at G Simmons & Sons Pork Scratchings on Newfield Close in Walsall on Sunday evening.
The fire involved two drums of cooking oil and on Monday evening, crews remained at the scene targeting hotspots. On Tuesday it said investigators “have concluded that this fire started accidentally”.
The family-run firm described the incident as “devastating” but said it was incredibly grateful no-one was injured.
The business supplies to supermarkets and also runs an online delivery service.
“Right now, we are carefully working through the recovery process, assessing the damage, and doing everything possible to rebuild and resume operations as soon as we are able,” the business said on its Facebook page on Monday.
Pork scratchings, pig skin cut into strips and cooked, are thought to be a Black Country-based delicacy, mainly sold in pubs.
