More than 100 firefighters and a total of 17 fire engines are tackling the blaze at the scrapyard on Clarel Avenue, Saltley, close to the city centre.
The fire has been categorised as ‘severe’ by West Midlands Fire & Rescue Service, which was called to the scene at around 2pm this afternoon (29 March).
The Fire & Rescue Service states that its Fire Control has received more than 100 ‘999’ calls in relation to the incident. It is advising people in affected areas keep doors and windows closed.
A spokesperson for the Fire & Rescue Service said: “We have liaised with Birmingham Airport to inform them of the smoke plume. A nearby canal is among the sources being used to get water to the scene, via a water relay system.”
The affected site is understood to be operated by EMR, which handles ferrous and non-ferrous metals at the yard including scrap cars.
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, the metal recycling company was unavailable for comment.
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