Safety warning issued as fire rages opposite City Hospital
West Midlands Fire crews are battling a huge fire that is raging at a derelict unit off Dudley Road and Western Road in Winson Green this afternoon.
Huge plumes of smoke can be seen from right across Birmingham city centre as the fire rages at a warehouse full of waste paper and used tyres. The location has been derelict for a number of years.
Local residents have been advised by West Midlands Fire Service to keep their windows and doors closed, and keep any pets indoors until the smoke clears.
Traffic is expected to get heavy this afternoon around the location and motorists are being advised by the emergency services to steer away as diversions are put in place around the location.
West Midlands Fire Service issued the following update on Twitter:
Crews from Highgate, Handsworth, Smethwick and Ladywood are attending a large fire on Western Road, Winson Green, Birmingham.
If you live nearby, please close doors and windows as a precaution.— West Midlands Fire Service (@WestMidsFire) July 20, 2019
This is a breaking story and will be updated as more details emerge.