Tipton scrapyard fire: Roads closed and school shut as West Midlands Firefighters tackle blaze

Firefighters are currently tackling a massive fire in Tipton near Wednesbury involving approximately 1000 tonnes of scrap metal.

West Midlands Fire Service responded shortly after 6.15am today (Wednesday, October 11) to an incident on George Henry Road, Tipton with eight fire engines and 42 firefighters. Explosions were also heard from the venue of the massive fire.

Several roads and a school near the site of the incident were closed as firefighters and other emergency services respond to the fire. Huge plumes of smoke were seen in the neighbourhood and residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed.

On Thursday (October 12), West Midlands Roads said: “Following the fire in George Henry Road in #Tipton yesterday, Great Western Way off the island in #GreatBridge is down to one lane creating lengthy tailbacks. Please avoid the area if possible until lunchtime today.”

WMFS said earlier: “Eight fire engines, one 4x4 brigade response vehicle, two hydraulic platforms and a a high-volume water pumping unit are at the scene. The first vehicle arrived within three minutes of being mobilised. This is a fire involving approximately 1000 tonnes of scrap metal. Crews have been supported by a drone, which has been in use to identify fire breakouts across the site.”

They added: “We will continue issuing updates as we work to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.” They said on X, formerly Twitter: “The smoke plume from the Tipton fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction. We’re asking people in areas affected by the smoke to keep doors and windows closed. This will potentially be the situation for most of the day.”

Here are all the road closures in Tipton after scrap yard fire

• The Black Country Route (A41) is currently closed one way.
• George Henry Road is also closed and diversions are in place. Significant traffic is building up near the KFC by Great Bridge Retail Park.
• A461 Great Western Way eastbound New Road to Black Country New Road
• George Henry Road in Tipton

West Midlands Police are supporting the closures which will remain in place for some time.

School closed after scrap yard fire in Tipton

A school in Wednesbury has been closed as a result of the fire.

The Harvills Hawthorn Primary School spokesperson told the Express and Star: “We have made the difficult decision to close school today. There is a big fire at a nearby factory and the fire brigade are unable to tell us exactly what is burning, we have been advised to keep all windows and doors shut.”