Smoke seen for miles as crews tackle West Brom fire
The fire involved 300 tonnes of baled cardboard.
Last updated 19th Aug 2022
60 firefighters have been dealing with a big fire at a recycling plant in West Bromwich.
It started at a site on Kelvin Way just after 2.15pm today (Aug 19), with emergency services receiving over 120 calls.
At it's height, 60 firefighters were tackling the blaze as thick plumes of black smoke were seen above the M5.
Nearby factory units were evacuated as a precaution and residents advised to keep windows and doors closed.
A statement from West Midlands Fire Service said: "Less than three hours after this fire was first reported to us, it was surrounded and under control.
"Staff at the recycling company have been using their own machinery to help our crews, by creating fire breaks and moving material around the site.
"We've had a high volume water pumping unit at the scene, and water from a nearby canal has been used on the fire.
"We expect to have six fire engines, 30 firefighters and two aerial platforms at the scene well into the evening and possibly overnight."
There are no known casualties involved in the incident.
A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 2.35pm to reports of a fire on Kelvin Way, West Bromwich.
"We currently have a paramedic officer in attendance standing by to support the fire services. There are currently no reported patients."