West Midlands Fire Service is still continuing to assess a fire at a scrap yard yesterday (Tuesday, October 11) near Tipton and Wednesbury involving 1,000 tons of metal.
The latest update from West Midlands Fire Service said: “Our resources at the scene will shortly be reduced to three fire engines/crews. They are expected to be there until at least late this evening (Thursday, October 12).”
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.”
West Midlands Fire Service had said at 8.30pm yesterday: “We’re continuing to commit resources to tackle the fire. Six fire engines, two hydraulic aerial platforms and one of our high volume water pumping units are currently in attendance. We’re working closely with the on-site business owner as firefighting operations continue. It’s expected that crews will remain in attendance throughout the night.”
West Midlands Fire Service had issued advice for local residents and asked them to close windows and doors due to smoke after large plumes were seen in the area yesterday. The incident took place on George Henry Road, Tipton, in the early hours of today - and is contiunuing this evening, with firefighters set to stay at the scene throughout the night. There are road closures which are staying in place and a school was forced to shut. Businesses in the area also closed for the day as a result of the fire.
In their latest update posted at 3.15pm West Midlands Fire Service said: “On-site equipment is still being used by staff who are working with our crews to move material and to prevent further fire spread. Drone operations continue as crews work to fully extinguish this fire.
“The smoke plume continues to affect nearby properties and businesses, so please continue to keep windows and doors shut. Traffic is still heavy in the area and road closures remain in place. “
Earlier today WMFS said on X, formerly Twitter: “We have 5 Fire Engines and 2 Hydraulic Platforms in attendance and are working to extinguish the fire.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service was also in attendance at the scrap yard fire on George Henry Road, Tipton. West Midlands Ambulance Service saying: “Due to a large scrap metal fire on George Henry Road in Tipton, please can those living nearby keep their windows and doors closed while it is dealt with by @WestMidsFire. We sent a paramedic officer to the scene but there were no patients so we have been stood down.”
West Midlands Roads said: “Large smoke plume blowing over Harvills Hawthorn direction. Keep windows closed.”
Harvills Hawthorn Primary School in Wednesbury closed as a result of the blaze, with a spokesperson for the school saying: “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.” No public statement has been made about whether it will open tomorrow.
Local residents took to X to share photos of the massive blaze that ripped through a scrap yard in the town. One resident said: “I can smell it!” Another said: “Looks huge.”
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: “Shortly after 6.15am on Wednesday (11 October), we responded to an incident on George Henry Road, Tipton.
“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.
“The Black Country Route (A41) is currently closed one way whilst we work at the scene. George Henry Road is also closed and diversions are in place. Significant traffic is building up near the KFC by Great Bridge Retail Park.
“West Midlands Police are supporting the closures which will remain in place for some time. We will continue issuing updates as we work to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”
The fire service is using the water supply from a nearby canal to help them tackle the fire. Traffic is building in the area including the Black Country New Road from Moxley to West Bromwich, and the following roads are closed:
- A461 Great Western Way eastbound New Road to Black Country New Road
- A41 Black Country New Road both ways between Navigation Roundabout and Parkway Roundabout
- George Henry Road
1. Scene of the huge fire in Tipton on George Henry Road.
(Photo - Tim Thursfield/NationalWorld)
2. Scene of the huge fire in Tipton on George Henry Road
(Photo - Tim Thursfield/NationalWorld)
3. Scene of the huge fire in Tipton on George Henry Road
(Photo - Tim Thursfield/NationalWorld)
4. Scene of the huge fire in Tipton on George Henry Road
(Photo - Tim Thursfield/NationalWorld)