Smethwick recycling factory fire: Photographs show blaze
- Published
Emergency services are fighting a blaze involving 100,000 tonnes of waste at a Smethwick recycling unit.
A plume of smoke rose 6,000ft (1.8km) into the air and could be seen over a wide area, including Birmingham City Centre.
The fire is thought to have started when lit Chinese lanterns dropped on the plant, setting fire to the plastic.
West Midlands Fire Service said it is the largest fire seen in the West Midlands and 200 firefighters were at the scene.
A total of 35 fire engines were called to the fire, at the Jayplas depot in Dartmouth Road.
Residents and workers in Birmingham, several miles away, reported seeing huge amounts of smoke.
The ambulance service said it treated nine firefighters at the scene and three were taken to hospital.
The fire broke out on an industrial estate, but residents are being advised to keep windows closed and Galton Valley School is currently closed.
A number of roads were closed and motorists were advised to avoid junction one of the M5.
The West Midlands Fire Service said the fire was expected to continue burning for days.
- Published1 July 2013
- Published1 July 2013
- Published29 June 2013