Fire crews tackle the blaze at a scrap metal firm in Smethwick

Crews from three fire stations were called to Sims Metal on Rabone Lane in Smethwick at around 3.15pm on Saturday afternoon after reports of plumes of smoke in the air.

Crews from Aston, Handsworth and Smethwick fire stations, with 12 firefighters in total, arrived at the scene to find 25 tonnes of scrap metal alight.

They used two hose reels to tackle the blaze and bring it under control, with firefighters confirming the fire was out at around 5pm and crews leaving the scene at 5.45pm.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service said: “We were called to reports of an exterior fire at a scrap yard in Smethwick at around 3.15pm with crews from Aston, Handsworth and Smethwick presenting on the spot.

“They discovered 25 tonnes of scrap metal believed to be on fire and used two hose reels to tackle the fire, which was reported at 5pm and crews left the scene at 5.45pm.

“No cause of the fire has yet been determined.”

The fire is the second to occur on Rabone Lane, following a fire involving a metal shredder in January which left a huge plume of smoke in the air that could be seen for miles.

The Sims Metal have been contacted for comment.