More than 50 firefighters rushed to a huge blaze at a recycling plant in Walsall this afternoon (January 4). Black smoke was seen billowing into the sky for miles across the town.
West Midlands Fire Service said the inferno started at a recycling centre on Westgate, Aldridge, at around 1.10pm. The fire service warned locals to avoid the area.
Black smoke has been pictured billowing into the sky miles away from the scene. Residents nearby reported an “awful smell”.
READ MORE: Huge Walsall fire live as smoke billowing into the sky seen for miles
Smoke billowing into the sky after a blaze broke out on Westgate in Aldridge
(Image: Liam Edwards)
Pictures of the fire were shared on Facebook group Rushall Now. One person in the group wrote: “Lots of fire brigades in attendance. Smoke is awful coming down Westgate.
“Take care driving down as there’s loads of bin lorries parked up.” Another person added: “The smell is awful.”
A Fire Control spokesperson told BirminghamLive: “We were called out at 1.10pm this afternoon. There are 55 firefighters at the scene. The fire started at a recycling plant.”
A West Midlands Fire Service wrote on social media platform X at 2.20pm this afternoon: “We have 10 crews in attendance at a severe fire on Westgate, in Aldridge, Walsall. Please avoid the area, where possible.”