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More than 100 firefighters have been tackling a major industrial fire in West Bromwich today after a blaze engulfed multiple factory units on Great Bridge Street.
West Midlands Fire Service was mobilised at 10:41am, with the first crew arriving on scene within three minutes. The scale of the fire prompted a massive emergency response, including 20 fire engines, three aerial platforms, technical rescue units, and drones used for aerial thermal imaging and fire spread assessment.
Incident Overview
The fire broke out at a single-storey commercial premises measuring around 100m x 100m, with the blaze rapidly spreading to at least four connected factory units. By early afternoon, approximately 20 tonnes of tyres had also caught fire, escalating the smoke plume and fire load.
There are no reported casualties. All staff were safely evacuated, and a precautionary evacuation of residents on Elwell Street was carried out by West Midlands Police.
Emergency Response
Crews are making “good progress”, but due to structural concerns and a partial collapse in one section of the building, structural engineers have been called in. A high-volume pump is drawing water from a nearby canal to help sustain firefighting efforts.
Specialist agencies supporting the operation include:
- West Midlands Police
- West Midlands Ambulance Service
- National Grid (gas and electric isolation)
- Severn Trent Water
- Environmental Agency
- Sandwell Council
Public Safety Advice
- Avoid the area: Significant road closures are in place.
- Keep doors and windows closed: Large amounts of smoke are affecting local air quality.
- Residents affected by evacuation are being supported and rehoused in coordination with local authorities.
A fire investigation has begun but will continue in greater depth once the site is fully safe.
