A significant fire involving approximately 300 tonnes of scrap metal waste required a major emergency response in Birmingham in the early hours of Tuesday, December 16th. The blaze broke out at a commercial yard compound on Park Road in the Hockley area.
Emergency Response and Scale of the Incident
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) was alerted to the incident shortly before 4:25 am. The scale of the fire prompted the deployment of a substantial force, with up to 35 firefighters attending the scene. Their resources included six fire engines, a 4x4 brigade response vehicle, and a hydraulic aerial platform to gain control of the flames.
Public Safety Measures and On-Site Collaboration
Due to the vast quantity of burning material, smoke from the fire began to drift towards the nearby Lozells area. In response, WMFS issued urgent advice to local residents, instructing them to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid inhaling potentially harmful fumes.
Fire crews made efficient progress by working directly with staff at the commercial yard. On-site personnel used grab machinery to assist firefighters by moving the smouldering metal piles, which allowed crews to access and extinguish persistent hotspots more effectively.
Use of Technology and Road Closures
The fire service utilised advanced technology to manage the incident, confirming the deployment of drone operations. The drones provided an aerial overview, helping teams to quickly identify any remaining hotspots across the large compound.
To ensure the safety of emergency crews, Park Road in Hockley was closed by police and fire services. Despite the intensity of the blaze, authorities confirmed that no injuries or rescues were reported in connection with the incident.
