Overview
- The scrapyard fire on Lifford Lane, which broke out Wednesday morning just after 10:30 BST, sent thick black smoke across much of Birmingham.
- Authorities told nearby residents to close windows and doors and urged drivers to avoid the area because of the smoke.
- Flames spread from Alexanders Wharf to a neighboring timber yard as residents reported loud bangs, which fire crews said can occur where cylinders and other items are stored.
- About a dozen engines, an aerial platform and roughly 60 to 80 firefighters from multiple West Midlands stations tackled the blaze with police and ambulance teams present.
- By Thursday morning, investigators had ruled the cause accidental, with no injuries reported as crews continued hotspot checks and scaled back resources.