Scrap metal alert sparks blast alert

Two roads were sealed off when a massive scrap fire caused a blast alert in the Black Country today.

More than 40 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze when 20 tons of scrap metal - including up to 30 cars - went up in flames.

The fire broke out at R Davies Metals and Sons scrapyard, in Oak Lane, Kingswinford just after 2am.

A 200-yard section of Oak Lane and Ham Lane was closed for almost two hours when an acetylene cylinder was discovered just before 6am.

Fire crews had to spray water onto the cylinder until it cooled enough to no longer be at risk of exploding. Early morning traffic along nearby Stallings Lane was brought to a crawl as police redirected cars and lorries.

Some lorries had to park on the side of the road causing a further disruption to traffic. The road was re-opened before 8am.

Investigations into the cause of the blaze are still under way.

Two fire engines remained at the scene during the morning to ensure the blaze did not flare up again.

Dudley Fire Station watch commander Mark Smith said the alarm was raised by a security guard.

Danny Davies, who has run the scrapyard with his brother Adam for four years, was at the scene during the blaze but declined to comment.