UK Midlands tire firm has lucky escape after arson attack

ERJ staff report (BC)

Dudley, UK – A tire firm in Dudley, West Midlands, had a lucky escape after a pile of tires stacked against the building was set alight, reports the Express and Star.

The rapid response of firefighters saved Quickshift Autos from serious damage after a pile of around 60 tires went up in flames just after 10pm on 20 July.

The tires were destroyed, and around five per cent of the building's roof was also damaged, while a large column of smoke could be seen from about half a mile away.

Two fire crews put water on the roof to prevent the blaze from spreading any further, and West Midlands Police has confirmed it is treating the incident as arson.

Dudley fire watch commander Andrew Froggatt is reported to have said: "We advise business owners not to pile waste materials directly by the side of their businesses, because if someone lights them it can cause a lot of damage.”