Factory, Winson Green, Birmingham
More than 70 firefighters tackled a large blaze at an industrial building in Birmingham, where recycling material was understood to be alight on 20th July 2019.
Emergency services were called at 12.37pm, as dozens of residents reported seeing large plumes of thick black smoke. Some say smoke could be seen up to 15 miles away, and said it was one of the biggest plumes of black smoke seen over Birmingham in recent memory.
Emergency services said they received more than 80 calls about the fire - the cause of which is yet to be established, with more than 70 firefighters sent to tackle the blaze in Western Road, Winson Green.
The blaze caused major disruption to a nearby hospital, with people having to access A&E through a police cordon. The fire service added: ‘One of our priorities at this incident is working alongside hospital trust to ensure Dudley Rd hospital remains open. ‘Access to hospital for visitors is via western road car parks. Access to A&E through Police Cordon on Dudley Road.’
At the height of the blaze, West Midlands Fire Service said it had no fire safety record for the burning site so they weren’t sure exactly
what was on fire. A drone was flown over the site and watched by fire chiefs inside the incident truck parked next to the scene. They
decided not to send any firefighters into the fire itself as they believed there was no risk to life.