A huge fire broke out at a Tipton recycling site after 30 tonnes of mixed recycling went up in flames. Several fire crews battled the blaze overnight as the public were urged to ‘avoid the area’.
Firefighters from eight engines, along with the use of a hydraulic aerial platform, tackled the flames in Bloomfield Terrace on Sunday morning, January 5. The incident lasted over 24 hours, with firefighters initially called at 8.20am, working all night and finally leaving at around 11am on Monday, January 6.
Water was applied to hotspots overnight, but there were yet more visits planned throughout today to check the site. West Midlands Fire Service had urged members of the public to avoid the area as the incident “generated a lot of smoke”.
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A statement from the service today, Monday, January 6, read: “Shortly before 8.20am on Sunday, January 5, we responded to Bloomfield Terrace, Tipton. Initially, eight fire engines and one hydraulic aerial platform responded, crewed by firefighters from Tipton, Bilston, Brierley Hill, Dudley, Oldbury, West Bromwich, Smethwick, West Bromwich and Willenhall.
“This was a fire affecting approximately 30 tonnes of mixed recycling in an open bay. Crews worked to extinguish and contain the fire to the area of origin.
“Diggers, operated by on-site staff, were used to remove all burnt material into the open yard, where it was damped down. Police colleagues were in attendance to assist with traffic management. Nearby train lines were unaffected.
“The incident was scaled down but relief crews remained at the site overnight, applying water to hotspots. Crews left the site at around 11am, with further revisits planned throughout the day.”