West Midlands Fire Service is currently battling a significant fire at the Smurfit Kappa packaging plant in Nechells, Birmingham. Residents nearby are advised to stay indoors as crews work to contain the blaze. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with comparisons drawn to a previous major incident at the site in 2022.
Major Fire at Smurfit Kappa Plant in Nechells
West Midlands Fire Service has deployed multiple crews to tackle a significant fire at the Smurfit Kappa packaging plant located on Mount Street, Nechells, Birmingham. The incident began early on the morning of Friday, June 28, 2024.
Residents in the vicinity have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to the smoke generated by the blaze. The fire service posted an alert on social media platform X at 7:57 am, urging locals to take precautionary measures.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been identified. The current situation appears less severe compared to a major incident at the same site two years ago. That previous fire, on June 12, 2022, involved 8,000 tonnes of cardboard and paper, requiring a near-week-long firefighting effort with over 100 firefighters and 30 fire engines.
The incident two years ago was attributed to coals from a disposable barbecue.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
