A significant fire involving approximately 300 tonnes of scrap metal waste required a major response from West Midlands Fire Service in Birmingham in the early hours of this morning.
Early Morning Emergency Call-Out
The fire service was alerted to the incident on Park Road in the Hockley area at around 4.25am on Tuesday, December 16. Crews arrived to find a substantial blaze within a yard compound, prompting a large-scale deployment.
In total, six fire engines were dispatched to the scene, supported by a 4x4 brigade response vehicle and a hydraulic aerial platform. The operation involved firefighters from multiple stations across the region, including Highgate, Aston, Ladywood, Handsworth, Smethwick, West Bromwich, and Perry Barr.
Firefighting Efforts and Tactics
Crews immediately began tackling the flames using three main water jets. They worked in coordination with onsite staff, who used grab machinery to move smouldering piles of metal, allowing firefighters to access and douse deep-seated hotspots more effectively.
The fire service confirmed that good progress was being made in bringing the situation under control. To aid their efforts, drone technology was deployed to conduct an aerial survey of the site, helping teams to identify remaining areas of heat and direct resources efficiently.
Road Closure and Public Health Advice
As a result of the ongoing operation, Park Road was closed to traffic. Authorities have stated that the road is expected to remain shut while firefighting work continues at the scene.
A notable consequence of the fire was the generation of significant smoke, which the service reported was travelling towards the Lozells area. In response, residents in affected neighbourhoods were advised to keep their doors and windows closed as a precautionary measure to minimise exposure to the smoke. The incident also sparked discussions online about a noticeable bad smell permeating the local air.
West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed that there have been no reports of any injuries or rescues related to the incident. The cause of the fire is not yet known and will likely be subject to investigation once the blaze is fully extinguished.
