FIRE crews were this morning damping down the scene of a large blaze which broke out at a yard in Coseley setting 175 tons of coal dust on fire.

Six crews tackled the fire at its height last night (Thursday May 18) after first being alerted to the Anchor Road site at 4.35pm.

Heavy smoke could be seen billowing from the scene and residents in the area were advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

Fire chiefs said the blaze, at a yard containing coal dust and pulverised coal, is believed to have started accidentally.

The flames were eventually extinguished by 12.37am and crews left the scene before returning at 7am this morning to check for any remaining hotspots.

After the visit, a fire service spokesperson said firefighters from Bilston Fire Station were content there were no further hot spots and the incident was nearing conclusion.

The spokesperson added: "The Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and Wolverhampton Council assisted at the incident with water runoff to reduce and mitigate environmental impacts where possible.

"West Midlands Police assisted our crews during the night in visiting over 100 properties asking residents to close doors and windows for their safety.

"We can confirm this advice is no longer applicable and residents in the area are now safe to open doors and windows."