Birmingham police close Soho Hill as 70 firefighters tackle blaze in Lozells building

A fire has broken out in a shop in Lozells this afternoon (November 23) leading to the closure of Soho Hill in both directions.

Ten fire engines crewed by around 70 firefighters have been called to the scene of the blaze on the ground floor of a three-storey void commercial premises.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the building is currently heavily smoke-logged and the public are being urged to avoid the area due to a heavy build-up in traffic.

A statement from the ambulance service, read: "Shortly after 2.50pm on (Thursday) 23 November, we responded to Villa Road in the Lozells area of Birmingham.

"Ten fire engines, four 4×4 brigade response vehicles, an aerial hydraulic platform and our command support vehicle are in attendance, crewed by around 70 firefighters. Crews arrived at the scene within four minutes of being mobilised.

"This is a fire on the ground floor of a three-storey void commercial premises. The building measures approximately 80m x 20m. The building is heavily smoke-logged. Soho Hill has been closed in both directions. We’re asking the public to avoid the area due to a heavy build-up in traffic.

"This is an ongoing incident. We will update this page when updates become available."

The UK Health Security Agency in the West Midlands region has also issued advice for those in the area. A statement read: "People in areas affected by smoke from the fire in Lozells, Birmingham should stay indoors, keep doors/windows closed + check local radio/online info/advice.

"Motorists should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep air vents closed."