Plastics blaze started deliberately, say fire service

The fire could be seen from across the Black Country

Firefighters have tackled a large blaze that could be seen across the Black Country.

Crews were at the scene of the fire on Danks Way near Great Bridge in Tipton on Wednesday, West Midlands Fire Service said.

It involved a large amount of plastic material in a compound and was believed to have been started deliberately.

The fire began at about 15:00 GMT and was out within an hour, the service said, but some living nearby reported a strong smell.

Residents in nearby properties affected by smoke were urged to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution.

People on social media said they had spotted thick black plumes in Stourbridge and Kingswinford.

Sandwell Council also shared the fire service's message, with residents in Dudley and Tividale saying they could see fumes.

"This incident involved approximately 200 pallets of plastic crating on fire," a fire service spokesperson said.

"West Midlands Police has been in attendance and the fire is suspected to have started deliberately."