Nine crews battle blaze in Darlaston as residents urged to close windows and doors

Emergency services rushed to the scene of Bentley Road South, Darlaston, following reports of a fire at an address on the road. 

Seven crews were in attendance at the blaze at 9.23pm last night, with West Midlands Fire Service urging all those who live nearby to close their windows and doors. 

A West Midlands Fire Service spokespersons said: "We have 7 crews in attendance at a fire on Bentley Road South, Darlaston. 

"As a precaution, if you live or work nearby, please keep doors and windows closed. Avoid the area, where possible."

In a later update, West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that the blaze had started in scrap metal recycling yard on the road, with more than 200-tonnes of metal waste being affected. 

Around 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at its peak, utilising high-volume pumping equipment, a hydraulic platform, breathing apparatuses, and fire service drones.

Working with firefighters, on-site staff later utilised a grab lift to spread the affected metal waste across the yard to identify hotspots. 

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson updated: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked to extinguish the fire. They were supported by drone operations, high-volume pumping equipment and a hydraulic aerial platform. 

"At the height of the fire, we had nine fire engines and a hydraulic aerial platform at the scene, crewed by around 50 firefighters.

"Good progress was made and onsite staff, working with firefighters, used a grab lift to spread affected metal across the bay to unearth hotspots.

"Police colleagues were in attendance and closed Bentley Road South. The road has since re-opened. There were no injuries or casualties."

The incident was marked as closed as of 12.50am, with all crews leaving the scene by 3.20am. 

West Midlands Ambulance Service were also sent to the scene, however, they were quickly stood down by fire service colleagues. 

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 10.26pm on Thursday by the fire service to reports of a fire at a property on Bentley Road South, Darlaston in Wednesbury.

"Prior to our arrival, we were stood down by the fire service as our assistance was no longer required."

West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that the fire is out, however, one appliance remains at the scene.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: "The fire has been dealt with, however, one appliance remains at the scene."