Grass fires spark two major blazes

Firefighters are dealing with two major fires in the Black Country which resulted in more than 70 firefighters being called out.

West Midlands Fire Service said the fires started as small grass fires sparked by either discarded cigarettes or children playing with matches.

Seventy firefighters were called to deal with a fire at a scrap yard at Whitworth Close, Darlaston, on Sunday afternoon, where 300 cars were alight.

Firefighters were also called to Brick Yard Road, in Aldridge, on Sunday afternoon where 400 tyres and acetylene tanks were on fire.

Exploding tanks

West Midlands Fire Service said 16 fire engines were unavailable for a "significant period of time" in the West Midlands.

"We would urge any children or adults on grass areas to take care," he said.

On Monday morning firefighters were still at the scenes of both fires.

The acetylene tanks alight in Darlaston, had to be sprayed with cooling water as there was a danger of the tanks exploding up to 24 hours after they were heated, the spokesman said.