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Saltley recycling site fire sees more than 800 tonnes ablaze Saltley recycling site fire sees more than 800 tonnes ablaze
(about 1 hour later)
About 800 tonnes of metal and plastic is on fire at a recycling plant in Birmingham with huge plumes of smoke visible across the city. Up to 800 tonnes of metal and plastic is ablaze at a recycling plant in Birmingham with huge plumes of smoke visible across the city.
West Midlands Fire Service said more than 100 firefighters are tackling the blaze at EMR in Saltley. More than 100 firefighters are tackling the fire at EMR in Saltley, West Midlands Fire Service said.
Nearby residents are asked to keep windows shut. Drivers are also urged to to avoid the area. Power supplies to 60,000 homes may have to be cut-off because the site of the fire is underneath pylons.
Emergency services were alerted at about 14:00 BST and the fire service has received more than 100 999 calls. Emergency services were alerted at about 14:00 BST and residents have been told to keep doors and windows shut.
National Grid staff are also at the scene because of concerns about a gas main next to a nearby canal.
More updates on this and other stories in Birmingham and the Black CountryMore updates on this and other stories in Birmingham and the Black Country
There are 12 fire engines currently at the scene in Clarel Avenue. There are 17 fire engines currently at the scene in Clarel Avenue and drivers have been warned to avoid the area.
BBC WM producer Kevin Pashby tweeted video of smoke billowing into the sky.BBC WM producer Kevin Pashby tweeted video of smoke billowing into the sky.
West Midlands Fire Service tweeted: "The guys and girls are working really hard to stop this spreading. In dangerous conditions, lots of pops and bangs."West Midlands Fire Service tweeted: "The guys and girls are working really hard to stop this spreading. In dangerous conditions, lots of pops and bangs."
National Grid is at the scene due to concerns about a gas main next to a nearby canal. The fire service urged people to stop calling after receiving more than 100 999 calls.
The Environment Agency, who regulate the scrapyard, has also arrived because of concerns over pollution. Staff from the Environment Agency, which regulates the site, are at the scene because of concerns over pollution.
Neil Johnston, West Midlands Fire Service station commander, said he expected crews to remain at the scene for several days because of the severity of the fire.
"It's a large fire involving two large piles of recycling around 10m in height," he said.
"About 50% of the piles are well alight.
"We have platforms and jets in-use trying to put the fires out. The fire is directly underneath an electric pylon so we're looking at isolating the electric in the surrounding area later on."
From the scene: BBC Midlands Today's Elizabeth Glinka:From the scene: BBC Midlands Today's Elizabeth Glinka:
There are huge flames and plumes of black smoke coming from the fire with more fire engines arriving at the scene every few minutes.There are huge flames and plumes of black smoke coming from the fire with more fire engines arriving at the scene every few minutes.
I believe there are over 100 firefighters here now along with other emergency crews and Network Rail as there are two rail lines nearby.I believe there are over 100 firefighters here now along with other emergency crews and Network Rail as there are two rail lines nearby.
I've seen a train approach very, very slowly as it has gone through the smoke, although we believe services are managing. I've seen a train approach very, very slowly as it has gone through the smoke, although we believe services are managing to get through.
Public Health England has also been called to the scene.Public Health England has also been called to the scene.
There are power cables running through the site and so there are concerns supplies could be affected.There are power cables running through the site and so there are concerns supplies could be affected.
The cause is not yet known and there are no reports of any injuries.The cause is not yet known and there are no reports of any injuries.