MULTIPLE small animals have been rescued after a severe fire ripped through a building gutting the property.
Forty firefighters tackled the blaze at a house in Rashwood, near Droitwich, towards the M5 which caused long delays on the A38.
Eighty per cent of the property was damaged by the fire but the cause is currently unknown.
READ MORE: Severe fire at A38 Rashwood near M5
People living nearby were told to keep doors and windows closed.
A spokesperson said: "We are tackling a significant building fire off the A38 in Rashwood, near Droitwich. We were called out at 11.33am today to the fire.
"A two-storey domestic building, measuring around 10m by 40m, is approximately 80 per cent involved in fire.
"All people have been accounted for and multiple small animals were rescued by fire service personnel.
"Crews are using six breathing apparatus units, two main jets and two hose reel jets to tackle the blaze.
"Please avoid the area if you can and choose an alternative route. Close doors and windows if smoke is in your vicinity."
"Two crews from Worcester Fire Station were joined at the scene by Droitwich, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Malvern, Pershore and Evesham colleagues along with West Midlands firefighters from Northfield."
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A fire officer at the scene told a Worcester News reporter that the emergency services would be there for "at least a few more hours" at 1.50pm.
Traffic caused by the fire was leading to gridlocked traffic, with drivers confused about what was happening after joining the A38.
Two police officers were stood on either side of the emergency service vehicles, which were cordoned off with traffic cones.
The officers were releasing traffic on either side of the road manually to shorten the delays.
Drivers were not able to turn onto Ford Lane from the A38.
On the approach to the scene of the fire, a fire hose was also draped across the road, with police guiding cars slowly and safely over.
First Bus also announced that due to the fire, its 144 service was diverting via Saltway and Hanbury Road in both directions and was unable to serve bus stops between and including Dodderhill Road to CC Caravans.
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