Road closures at Kitts Green, Birmingham as firefighters attend blaze & 25 people evacuated

Road closures are in place in Kitts Green, Birmingham today (June 15) as firefighters tackle a blaze at a shop and flat above it.

West Midlands Fire Service said 50 firefighters are currently in attendance at the incident in Lea Village. A gas mains is at the properties so people have been asked to avoid the area and 50 metres surrounding it. Twenty-fivepeople have been evacuated from nearby properties, with one man treated at the scene.

Currently, road closures are in place. Lea Village is closed up to the island with Filliott Road and Hurstcroft Road. Due to some structural concerns, residents of the affected property are not able to return at this time. However, those previously evacuated in adjacent properties have been allowed to return to their homes/businesses.

A spokesperson for WMFS said: “At 03.55am, crews responded to reports of a fire in a property on Lea Village, Kitts Green in Birmingham.

“A total of nine crews have attended, made up of seven fire engines and two 4x4 brigade response vehicles. A hydraulic aerial platform and our command support unit have also attended.

“The incident involves a fire in a mix-used premises, a commercial shop with a flat above. The fire affected approximately 30% of the roof space and 50% of the 1st floor of the property. Three main jets, 2 hose reel jets and several firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire.

“Due to a gas main in the property, which Cadent engineers on the scene are making safe and capping off, for public safety a 50-metre evacuation zone was established. Supported by officers from West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council, a total of 25 people were evacuated from nearby properties for their safety. All but one are safe with relatives, one gentleman is being cared for on the scene temporarily.

“We’re working with our partners to make the scene safe and allow those displaced to return to their homes as soon as possible.”

This is not the only fire-related incident in Birmingham today (June 15) as firefighters are also dealing with a blaze at two homes in Perry Barr this morning. This is a breaking news story - we will update as soon as more information comes through.

The two incidents follow a huge incident yesterday in Aston where a water pipe burst and firefighters had to rescue three people stranded in cars as Aston Hall Road near Lichfield Road flooded.