Karmactive Staff
Thick black smoke billowed over Great Bridge, near West Bromwich today as a major fire engulfed GB Tyres & Tracking on Great Bridge Street, drawing a massive emergency response and forcing some nearby roads to be closed.
West Midlands Fire Service deployed seventeen engines and more than 70 firefighters to the scene, with crews arriving within two minutes of being mobilized at 10:41 am, according to West Midlands Fire Service.
Residents near the tyre facility have been advised to stay indoors and close all windows and doors due to potential health risks from the dense smoke. The West Midlands Fire Service said, “Our crews are still tackling a fire involving tyres in a factory unit,” in a social media post. “If you live nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed due to the smoke. Several roads in the area are closed, so please avoid the area if you can,” they added.
Public Health England advises that people who are generally fit and well are unlikely to experience long-term health problems from temporary exposure to smoke from a fire, though those with existing respiratory conditions may be at greater risk.
The black plume was visible for miles around the Black Country, with authorities establishing a safety cordon around the site.
Roads near Great Bridge have been closed, causing disruption to local traffic. Motorists are advised to avoid the area while emergency services continue to work at the scene.
West Midlands Police are supporting the operation at the scene.
Fire crews have deployed specialist equipment including drone teams and aerial ladder platforms to combat the blaze from multiple angles.
The West Midlands Fire Service drone team and hydraulic aerial platforms are supporting crews in monitoring fire spread and aiding tactical decision-making.
Tyre fires present unique challenges due to the materials involved. They burn at extremely high temperatures and can be difficult to extinguish with water alone.
Tyre fires are known to create particularly toxic smoke due to the synthetic rubber compounds, steel belting, and chemical additives found in modern tyres.
Standard air quality monitoring is typically conducted during significant fires, as recommended by environmental agencies. Tyre fires can release particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other potentially harmful substances.
GB Tyres & Tracking, a local business incorporated in June 2020 but operating since 2013, faces significant damage. The company provides tyre fitting, repairs, and tracking services to the community.
West Midlands Fire Service later reported the fire was under control, with no casualties reported.
Structural engineers and utility companies were called to the site to assess damage and isolate gas and electricity services where necessary. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by fire scene examiners.
Today’s incident occurs in an area with a long industrial heritage. Great Bridge was once home to numerous foundries and factories until the decline of heavy industry in the 1990s.
The area has experienced industrial accidents before, most notably the 1922 Tipton Catastrophe when a munitions factory explosion killed 19 teenage girls aged 13 to 16 in Dudley Port, Tipton. This tragedy led to significant improvements in workplace safety regulations.
Residents with health concerns are advised to contact NHS 111 or their GP. Regular updates are being posted on the West Midlands Fire Service social media channels.For more information on fire alerts and updates on incidents like this, or to learn about the relationship between fires and climate impacts, visit our dedicated resource pages.
