Fire crews confirm fire at former Rubery Quarry site in Birmingham started 'deliberately'

Several fire crews who attended a blaze at the site of a former quarry in the West Midlands confirm it started deliberately.

West Midlands Fire Service attended the scene at Cock Hill Lane, Rubery in Birmingham at around 8pm on Tuesday 9 August.

Crews said youths were seen in the area who started the fire.

The service says they received over 60 calls to report the fire which was around 400 square metres large.

Seven fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze. Firefighters spent more than three hours attending the blaze.

Pictures posted to social media show plumes of smoke around the former quarry site.

Several residents on Chaddersley Close and Brookdale Close said the fire was edging close to their homes.

Homes in the area were temporarily evacuated as crews worked to stop the spread.

West Midlands Fire Service said grass fires are becoming more common as temperatures begin to rise.

In a statement, the fire service said: "Several residents on Chaddersley Close and Brookdale Close reported the fire was getting close to their homes and fire crews were dispatched to protect the properties.

"The homes were temporarily evacuated while fire crews worked to stop the fire spread, which they were able to do successfully with no damage caused to the properties.

"The residents were able to return shortly afterwards.

"A total of six main jets, three hose reel jets and beaters were used to tackle the blaze, which our crews confirmed was started deliberately by youths seen in the area."

They are urging people to take care when dealing with barbecues and not start them deliberately.