Fire crews tackle blaze in void school building in Birmingham - road closure details

Firefighters remain in attendance at a blaze in Birmingham at a void school building this morning (Tuesday, April 23).

Seven fire engines and a hydraulic aerial platform were brought to the scene at Clifton Road in Balsall Heath shortly before 1.50pm yesterday (Monday, April 22).

West Midlands Fire Service said that the first floor and roof space at the building were on fire as crews from Highgate, Billesley, Bournbrook, Ladywood, Hay Mills and Aston stations tackled the flames. They are being supported by drone operations.

Clifton Road and Hertford Road were closed while crews work at the scene. Brunswick Road, between White Road and Hertford Road is also closed. Police colleagues are assisting with traffic management.

Roads remain closed today, but WMFS has advised that a further update regarding these will be made shortly. In their latest update at 9am a spokesperson said excellent progress had been made at extinguishing the fire at the former school.

WMFS said: “Crews have made excellent progress in extinguishing the fire at the former school premises. During the night and early hours, crews used thermal image cameras to identify and damp down hot spots.

“In the early hours of Tuesday (23 April) morning, our resources at the scene were reduced to one fire engine and one hydraulic aerial platform. As of 0700 this morning, crews continue to monitor the scene, damping down hot spots as necessary.

“Due to potential structural issues, a full inspection of the premises has not been possible. As a result, the cause of this incident is not yet known. A multi-agency meeting, between fire crews, local management and Birmingham City Council is expected to take place shortly. A further update, including information about road closures, will be issued shortly.”