Four factory units in Great Bridge Street were engulfed by flames on Sunday morning (July 27)
Drone footage of major factory fire in Great Bridge, near West Bromwich on July 27. Picture provided by Flight Photography(Image: Flight Photography)
Firefighters continued to battle a huge Great Bridge factory blaze overnight that resulted in “several homes” being evacuated.
Four factory units in Great Bridge Street were engulfed by flames on Sunday morning (July 27).
The alarm was raised just after 10.40am, with the first crew arriving at the scene within two minutes.
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As the fire – which involved 20 tonnes of tyres – ripped through the factory units, huge plumes of smoke were seen 15 miles away in south Birmingham.
At the height of the blaze, there were 100 firefighters at the scene.
The fire service also requested the assistance of a structural engineer due to “structural concerns and a partial collapse in one area”.
It said “some” fire investigations had taken place, but further investigations were expected to go ahead today (Monday, July 28), “when it is safe to do so”.
An update issued by West Midlands Fire Service at 10pm said: “Crews remain at the scene, though we expect to reduce our vehicles and crews on site soon.
“Local residents who were evacuated are expected to be able to return to their homes shortly.
“Advice to keep doors and windows closed for those living in the local area remains in effect.
“Unless there is a significant change, the next update will follow in business hours tomorrow.”
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An official update has not been released but Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control confirmed crews were still at the scene this morning.
A spokesperson said four crews remained on site and “good progress” was being made but as of 3am, there were still some hotspots.