Arson attack probe after huge blaze breaks out in Tipton - updates (2024)

Further reading

Police have launched a probe into the blaze which broke out a factory on Danks Way in Tipton earlier today. Officers were treating the inferno - seen for miles around the Black Country - as a suspected arson attack.

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We're not expecting any further updates on this incident tonight. This live blog has now closed.

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How can you help?

Anyone with information about the blaze, now being treated as a suspected arson attack, should contact police.

You can do so by calling 101 and quoting incident reference number 20/216326/24.

Paramedics not called to scene

We understand no injuries were reported following the huge blaze which broke out in Danks Way, Tipton, this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service told us it had no record of paramedics attending the scene.

Arson attack probe after huge blaze breaks out in Tipton

A huge inferno which broke out in Tipton this afternoon may have been started deliberately. The mega blaze - now being treated by police as a suspected arson attack - started in a factory compound in Danks Way, Great Bridge, at around 3.20pm.

Thick black smoke was seen billowing into the sky for miles around the Black Country after around 200 pallets containing plastic caught fire at the site. Residents living locally were urged to shut their windows.

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Police confirm probe into suspected arson attack

West Midlands Police has confirmed it is treating the blaze as a suspected arson attack.

A force spokesperson told us: "We will be investigating a suspected arson at a business premises in Tipton this afternoon. Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat on our website or to call 101, quoting 20/216326/24."

'Around 200 pallets caught fire'

Around 200 pallets caught fire in the suspected arson attack, said West Midlands Fire Service.

Crews tackled the fire using main jets and hose reels. It was extinguished by 4.30pm.

Blaze 'now out' - full fire service statement

A West Midlands Fire spokesperson said: "At approximately 15.20pm, on Wednesday February 7, we responded to reports of smoke at a premises at Great Bridge, Tipton. Five fire engines, crewed by firefighters from Tipton, West Bromwich, Dudley, Bilston and Wednesbury initially responded. Our hydraulic aerial platform was also mobilised.

"This incident involved approximately 200 pallets of plastic creating on fire. Crews tackled the fire using main jets and hose reels. Our high volume water pumping unit was initially requested to help with water supply, but has since been stood down.

"At approximately 16.24, the fire was confirmed to be out. Crews will remain in attendance whilst they dig out and turn over debris from the fire. West Midlands Police have been in attendance, and the fire is suspected to have started deliberately."

BREAKING: Suspected arson attack - fire statement

The blaze is being treated by police as a suspected arson attack, said West Midlands Fire Service.

A fire service spokesperson said: "West Midlands Police have been in attendance, and the fire is suspected to have started deliberately."

What do we know?

• A huge blaze broke out near Danks Way in Tipton this afternoon (February 7)
• Several fire crews were sent to the scene
• West Midlands Fire Service said it believes the blaze involves a 'large amount of plastic material', located in a compound
• Smoke from the fire was visible for miles around the Black Country

Image taken close to blaze

A number of fire crews are currently at the scene of the blaze in Danks Way, Great Bridge, Tipton.

Social media has been flooded with pictures and videos of black smoke billowing into the sky from the inferno. It's understood that a large amount of plastic caught fire earlier today.

More footage

New footage, below, shows the scale of the blaze. Thick black smoke has been spotted miles away from the scene of the blaze in Danks Way, Tipton.

Huge fire in Tipton pic.twitter.com/QWEAJJC9UA

— Pepper (@Pepper33) February 7, 2024

Footage shows huge black smoke

Thick black smoke, billowing into the air, is visible for miles around the Black Country. This footage below, recorded on a train, shows the extent of the blaze:

Big fire in Tipton pic.twitter.com/l0RMisrBhf

— WolvesScrapbook (@DaveRowley7) February 7, 2024

Residents urged to shut windows

Residents near the blaze in Danks Way, Great Bridge, Tipton, have been urged to close their windows.

West Midlands Fire Service warned: "People in properties affected by the smoke are asked to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution."

'Large amounts of burning plastic involved' - fire service

West Midlands Fire Service said a number of crews have been sent to the scene of the blaze. It's understood that the fire involves a 'large amount of plastic material in a compound'.

A number of our crews have responded to a fire in Danks Way, Great Bridge, #Tipton.

It is believed to involve a large amount of plastic material in a compound.

People in properties affected by the smoke are asked to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution. pic.twitter.com/oVDqkloWio

— West Midlands Fire Service (@WestMidsFire) February 7, 2024

Huge inferno breaks out in Tipton

Good afternoon.

A huge blaze has broken out in Tipton. A number of fire crews have rushed to the scene in Danks Way, Great Bridge.

Continue following this live blog for the very latest on this breaking news story.