Up to seven fire crews were deployed to tackle a significant blaze at a commercial unit in Birmingham in the early hours of Tuesday, 16 December 2025. The incident, which involved a large quantity of waste, sent plumes of smoke across parts of the city, prompting urgent health advice for local residents.
Early Morning Emergency in Hockley
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed they were called to Park Road on the Hockley industrial estate shortly before 6am. The fire rapidly took hold within a commercial unit storing waste materials. At the height of the operation, seven fire appliances were in attendance, with crews working hard to bring the situation under control.
The service issued immediate guidance to the public, urging people living or working nearby to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution. They also advised the public to avoid the area around Park Road if possible to allow emergency services to work unimpeded.
Widespread Impact and Public Reaction
The environmental impact of the fire was quickly felt across a wider area. Firefighters confirmed that smoke from the burning waste was travelling towards the Lozells district, carrying with it a strong and unpleasant odour.
Residents took to social media to report the acrid smell, with one person posting on Reddit: "There's a strong burning plastic smell in town at the mo." The fire service reiterated its warning for those in the affected zones to keep their properties sealed to prevent the ingress of potentially harmful smoke.
Extended Operation and Ongoing Response
As the morning progressed, the number of fire engines on site was reduced to six, indicating that crews were making steady progress. However, officials anticipated a prolonged presence, stating they expected to remain on site for most of the morning to fully extinguish the fire and dampen down hotspots.
The cause of the blaze is not yet known and will likely be investigated once the fire is completely out. The incident highlights the challenges posed by fires involving commercial waste, which can generate significant smoke and require substantial firefighting resources.
