A HUGE fire sent black smoke billowing across the skies of Coventry and Warwickshire this morning.
It is understood the fire is located at Whites scrapyard off the A45 near to Ryton-on-Dunsmore.
The fire could be seen miles away, including by motorists on the A45 and A46 main routes in and out of Coventry.
Fire crews have been sent from Rugby.
Our photographer Jon Mullis was among the first at the scene after 10am, and heard loud bangs from the site.
Police were directing traffic on the A45, with problems created by drivers parking their cars or slowing down to take photos.
Images were being posted on social media by shocked residents living miles away.
More to come when we get it.
Update: Warwickshire Fire & Rescue said: “We currently have eight pumps in attendance and two water bowsers at a scrap fire on the London Road, A45, Ryton on Dunsmore. Our fire control have received a number of calls to this incident. A plume of smoke is coming from the incident which may affect the surrounding area and the A45, so please take extra care when driving near the incident.”
Update: “Our Fire Control have received a number of calls from members of the public regarding the smoke plume from the fire in Ryton on Dunsmore. We would advise at this stage to close all windows and doors as a precautionary measure whilst we deal with the incident.”
Warwickshire Fire & Rescue tweeted this update shortly after midday: “We now have 12 appliances in attendance along with our Environmental Protection Unit. The incident involves a scrap metal yard 60m x 40m. There are multiple jets and ground monitors in use. Our advice is still to keep windows and doors closed.”
Warwickshire Police tweeted shortly after 12.30pm: “Warwickshire Fire and Rescue are currently tackling a fire at a scrapyard near the A45 in Ryton-on-Dunsmore. We advise that people avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed.”
The Environment Agency Midlands tweeted: “Our officers are attending fire on A45 London Road, Ryton on Dunsmore. We’ll be checking for any potential impact on the local environment.”
