Multiagency response on hand to tackle Saltley fire

More than 100 firefighters were sent to tackle a huge blaze at the EMR recycling plant at Saltley, West Midlands on Tuesday night.

Huge plumes of smoke were visible across Birmingham as 8,000 tonnes of metal and plastic caught fire cutting power supplies to more than 4,000 homes locally.

Some 70 firefighters remained on site on Wednesday morning and many will probably remain there for the rest of the week.

Resources deployed include 7 fire engines, 5 Brigade Response Vehicles, 3 hydraulic/aerial platforms, high volume water pumping equipment and a mobile Incident Command Unit.Teams including transport and engineering workshops and Fire Control worked tirelessly to support the smooth running of the operation and its significant logistics.

Staff from EMR worked with the fire crews through the night, using their own heavy plant and lifting gear to help break up the scrap materials. Meanwhile, drinks and refreshments for crews were provided by volunteer members of the Rapid Relief Team.

The blaze brought together several West Midlands partner organisations involved in the multi-agency response, including Western Power, the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, Public Health England, Birmingham City Council, police and the ambulance service.