Twenty fire appliances and more than 100 firefighters were called to a “significant” fire at a commercial premises in West Bromwich on 27 July 2025
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) initially stated that the fire had started in a single-storey factory unit, measuring 100 metres by 100 metres, with approximately 20 tonnes of tyres involved in the blaze. It was later confirmed that the fire had affected four factory units, and several nearby homes were evacuated “as a precaution”.
“A high-volume pump, with water taken from a nearby canal, has been brought into operation. We also have three hydraulic aerial platforms at the scene, with various supporting vehicles, including our technical rescue teams,” the service added.
The premises was fully evacuated, and there were no casualties reported. Locals were advised to avoid the area while crews worked to bring the fire under control. Footage taken by the fire service and shared on social media shows a thick plume of grey and black smoke surrounding the factory units.
There have been concerns over the structural safety of the building: “Due to structural concerns and a partial collapse in one area, a structural engineer has been requested to attend to support us, and we’re working to keep our crews and local residents safe,” the service said.
Crews from Sheldon, Billesley, Fallings Park, Tipton, and Handsworth fire stations remained at the scene overnight, with further support provided by representatives from National Grid, Severn Trent, the Environmental Agency and Sandwell Council.
A spokesperson for WMFS said: "Working with West Midlands Police and the local authority, we're ensuring local residents affected by the evacuation, and businesses, are kept safe.
"Some fire investigations have taken place, with further investigations expected tomorrow, when it is safe to do so.
"Regular multi-agency briefings are taking place, and we expect to continue to remain in attendance for some time."
(Photograph by West Midlands Fire Service)