Fire service investigators have revealed the extent of the damage caused by a scrap yard blaze in a quiet village near Halesowen. Residents reported hearing explosions after the inferno broke out in Hayes Lane, Cradley, at around 6pm last night, December 30.
Around 30 firefighters rushed to the scene and locals were urged to keep their window closed. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Images of the blaze were shared in Facebook group ‘Spotted Russells Hall’. One local wrote: “Anyone else hear the explosions?”
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Another person added: “Heard some massive bangs. Sounded worse than fireworks.”
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed overnight that the blaze ripped through two outbuildings. It also spread across 16 vehicles and a forklift truck.
Issuing a new update, a fire service spokesperson said: “This incident has now been scaled down. Relief crews are in attendance, consisting of five fire engines. We expect to be in attendance for the next few hours.
“Crews are able to confirm that this fire affected two out buildings and approximately 16 vehicles, as well as one forklift truck. Our fire investigation team will work to define a cause.”
The fire service previously said: “Just after 6pm on Monday, December 30, we responded to an incident on Hayes Lane in Cradley, Halesowen. Crews and fire appliances from Northfield, Woodgate Valley, Tipton, Bournbrook, Dudley, Brierley Hill, Smethwick, Stourbridge, and Haden Cross fire stations are in attendance, as well as one of our hydraulic platforms.
“Our drone team have also been mobilised to assist with firefighting operations from above. This incident is a fire affecting two single-storey out buildings and several vehicles within a scrap yard. Crews are working from both sides of the area to extinguish the fire. Several main jets and hose reels are in use.
“We are asking local people to stay clear of the area, and to keep doors and windows closed. There are no casualties, however an evacuation of the industrial estate is being arranged.”