This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-23123549

The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Large fire at Smethwick recycling factory tackled Major fire at Smethwick recycling factory tackled
(35 minutes later)
About 50,000 tonnes of plastic recycling material and a factory unit are on fire in Smethwick in the West Midlands. A fire involving 50,000 tonnes of plastic recycling material and a factory unit in the West Midlands has been declared "a major incident".
West Midlands Fire Service said they had more than 35 fire engines at the scene just off Dartmouth Road. The fire service said 150 firefighters were at the scene in Smethwick.
Paramedic Huw Jones tweeted that he was at the scene of the "large industrial fire". A plume of smoke is rising 6,000ft into the air. Birmingham International Airport has been alerted although there is currently no impact on flights.
Mr Jones also tweeted that he did not believe there were any plans to evacuate residents at present. The incident is on an industrial estate, but the closest residents are being advised to keep windows closed.
The fire service said its control centre had received more than 145 calls about the blaze. Crews are expecting to be at the scene off Dartmouth Road for days.
The fire service said its control centre had received more than 200 calls about the blaze and urged people to call 999 only if really necessary.
Jack Awal said he could see the fire from his home a couple of miles away in Handsworth.Jack Awal said he could see the fire from his home a couple of miles away in Handsworth.
He said: "I heard a loud bang and went outside to see what it was.He said: "I heard a loud bang and went outside to see what it was.
"I immediately recognised where the smoke was coming from. I knew it had to be a factory."I immediately recognised where the smoke was coming from. I knew it had to be a factory.
"It was like a scene from a movie. There were so many large explosions and loud bangs. It was like a firework display - there were loud crackles and bangs every few seconds.""It was like a scene from a movie. There were so many large explosions and loud bangs. It was like a firework display - there were loud crackles and bangs every few seconds."
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions