AROUND 100 firefighters battled a huge blaze that broke out in the Black Country.

14 fire engines were sent to the scene of the blaze in Kelvin Way, West Bromwich, which filled the skies with black smoke on Friday (August 19).

Dudley News: The fire in Kelvin Way, West Bromwich. Photo: Rebecca PreeceThe fire in Kelvin Way, West Bromwich. Photo: Rebecca Preece

West Midlands Fire Service said: "Shortly after 2.15pm on Friday 19 August, we started to receive several 999 calls reporting a fire in Kelvin Way, West Bromwich.

"Eight fire engines and some 50 firefighters responded, with the first of our crews arriving on scene five minutes after being mobilised.

"Resources were soon increased to 12 fire engines and 60 firefighters".

Eventually, around 100 firefighters and 14 engines were called to the fire. 

They added: "The fire involves large bales of cardboard, near to a number of industrial units.

"An estimated 300 tonnes of baled, compacted cardboard are involved in the fire.

"Less than three hours after this fire was first reported to us, it was surrounded and under control.

"Staff at the recycling company have been using their own machinery to help our crews, by creating fire breaks and moving material around the site.

"We've had a high volume water pumping unit at the scene, and water from a nearby canal has been used on the fire.

"We expect to have six fire engines, 30 firefighters and two aerial platforms at the scene well into the evening and possibly overnight.

"People who live or work nearby are still asked to keep doors and windows closed if their home or workplace is affected by the smoke.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.35pm to reports of a fire on Kelvin Way, West Bromwich. We currently have a paramedic officer in attendance standing by to support the fire services.

"There are currently no reported patients.”