Firefighters tackle huge blaze involving 20 tonnes of tyres

Homes have been evacuated as firefighters tackle a huge blaze involving 20 tonnes of tyres in West Bromwich.

The West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has said four factory units on Great Bridge Street are involved in the blaze but there have been no injuries.

The WMFS initially said it was dealing with a fire involving a single-storey factory, measuring approximately 100m by 100m, after it was called at around 10.40am on Sunday morning.

Images show a huge black plume of smoke billowing from the site, with firefighters tackling the flames from aerial ladder platforms.

Fifteen fire engines were sent to the scene, with a high-volume pump which used water from a nearby canal brought into help put out the blaze.

West Midlands Police co-ordinated the evacuation of several homes on nearby Elwell Street as "a precaution", the WMFS said.

The fire service has been working with police to ensure "local residents affected by the evacuation, and businesses, are kept safe".

A structural engineer has been at the scene of the fire due to structural concerns and a partial collapse in one area.

The engineer will "make an assessment", the WMFS said.

Gas and electricity engineers have been at the scene to isolate affected supplies where possible, the fire service added.

The cause of the fire has not yet been reported.

WMFS said in an update on Sunday: "Some fire investigations have taken place, with further investigations expected tomorrow (Monday), when it is safe to do so.

"Regular multi-agency briefings are taking place and we expect to continue to remain in attendance for some time."

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WMFS said at around 10pm on Sunday that local residents who had been evacuated were "expected to be able to return to their homes shortly".

However, people living in the area were still advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to the huge amount of smoke in the area.

WMFS said it has been supported by representatives from National Grid, Severn Trent, the Environmental Agency and Sandwell Council in its response to the blaze.

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