West Bromwich fire: Huge blaze breaks out at Kelvin Way as multiple crews respond

A huge fire has broken out in the West Bromwich area of the Black Country near Kelvin Way.

Large plumes of black smoke can be seen for miles - which is also affecting drivers on the M5 motorway.

Twelve fire engines from the West Midlands Fire Service, alongside 60 firefighters, are responding to the blaze.

Drone footage from the fire service shows the large cloud of black smoke rising.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was also in attendance and are continuing to urge people in the area to stay indoors, and close windows and doors to avoid inhaling smoke.

There is heavy congestion in the area as the road has been closed while emergency services deal with the incident. Delays of at least 20 minutes can be expected.

A number of bus services have been disrupted by the blaze, National Express West Midlands has warned. It tweeted: "Service disruption. Fire at a recycling centre on Kelvin Way, West Bromwich."

"Surrounding roads are heavily congested and delaying a number of services in the area"Please allow more time for your journey. We apologise for this inconvenience."

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said the fire broke out shortly after 2.15 in the afternoon and involved around 300 tonnes of large baled cardboard.

They said they had received more than 110 calls relating to the fire in Kelvin Way, West Bromwich.

In a statement, they said: "Eight fire engines and some 50 firefighters responded, with the first of our crews arriving on scene five minutes after being mobilised."

"Resources were soon increased to 12 fire engines and 60 firefighters."

"The fire involves large bales of cardboard, near to a number of industrial units. Local road closures are in place."

In an update, the fire service said the blaze was under control and expect two six fire engines to stay on into the evening and potentially overnight.

People working nearby to the site have been evacuated, according to local reports.