Channel 4 News Menu
1 Jul 2013

Chinese lanterns ‘spark’ massive blaze at recycling plant

Chinese lanterns are responsible for the large blaze which continues to burn at a plastics recycling plant in the West Midlands, fire officers have said.

Smethwick, Birmingham blaze (Twitter)

Picture: ?@WestMidsFire

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service area commander Steve Vincent said: “A Chinese lantern was spotted on CCTV floating across and into the site and starting a fire in plastic bales.”

At least nine firefighters have been taken to hospital after tackling the blaze in Smethwick, Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service have confirmed that three of the casualties, who suffered minor injuries, were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, a spokesman said.

Around 50,000 tonnes of recycling material are said to be involved in the fire.

West Midlands Fire Service said it had more than 35 appliances at the scene of the blaze in Dartmouth Road.

Nearby residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: “We are currently dealing with a very large and dramatic recycling fire in Smethwick.

“Due to the intensity of the fire, the smoke plume is rising 6,000ft into the air, which may affect air travel.”