Crews tackle scrap metal fire at industrial site

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  About 30 firefighters are tackling a blaze involving a "large quantity of scrap metal" at an industrial estate in Wolverhampton.

Six engines were sent to Spring Road Industrial Estate, Lanesfield Drive, after West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) was alerted shortly before midnight on Friday.

"The fire involves an estimated 100 tonnes of scrap metal in an open yard and is believed, at this stage, to have started accidentally," the service said.

An update at 11:00 GMT on Saturday said six crews remained on site and people working and living nearby should keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

 "We would also ask people to avoid the area while our work continues and smoke remains in the area – including on a nearby canal towpath," a service spokesperson said.

"Progress is being made, although it is slow because of the amount of material involved and the need to move it safely."

Water to fight the fire is being taken from a nearby canal while staff on the site have been working with fire crews and using diggers to pull apart and move scrap so "deep-seated hot spots" can be reached and extinguished, the service added.

WMFS said it was working with a range of partners, including the city council, the Canal and River Trust and Environment Agency.

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