Huge fire at Saltley recycling site confirmed as accident

Seventeen fire engines were needed at the scene in Clarel Avenue on Tuesday.

A blaze at a recycling plant that took over 24 hours to get under control was an accident, fire officials have said.

West Midlands Fire Service said it should be leaving the site later on Thursday morning following the fire in Birmingham on Tuesday afternoon.

Up to 800 tonnes of metal and plastic went up in flames at EMR in Saltley, with smoke visible across the city.

More than 100 firefighters were at the scene at the peak of the fire. There are no reported injuries.

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West Midlands Fire Service said the blaze was being treated as "accidental" and investigations were ongoing.

Landor Street, which runs alongside the site, was reopened on Wednesday evening.

Smoke could be seen across Birmingham

Power supplies to 4,000 homes were cut off at 19:45 BST on Tuesday because the site of the fire is underneath pylons.

National Grid staff were also at the scene because of concerns about a gas main next to a nearby canal.

Properties in the Nechells and Saltley area were also affected.

Firefighters anticipate leaving the site later on Thursday morning