FIREFIGHTERS from across the West Midlands fought a severe blaze at a Smethwick furniture unit last night.

Seven pumps and one aerial appliance from Woodgate, Highgate, Ladywood, Aston and West Bromwich were first dispatched to the scene in Crandford Street at around 9pm.

The unit, which measured approximately 300m by 100m, was fully engulfed by the fire.

Due to a large amount of smoke in the vacinity, residents were advised to avoid the area and close their windows.

Crews from West Midlands Ambulance Service's hazardous area response team were also in attendance.

The flames were scaled back in the early hours of this morning but fire personnel remain at the scene this morning.