Residents urged to stay indoors after severe fire on Alcester Road South

Residents are being urged to stay indoors after a severe fire broke out at a flat above a shop on Alcester Road South in Maypole during the early hours of this morning (21 March).

Eight fire crews from Billesley, Kings Norton, Highgate, Northfield, Bournbrook and Haymills were called to tackle the blaze which broke out above a shop just before 12.45am.

The fire was put out quickly.

A spokesman for the West Midlands Fire Service, said: “Just after 12am on Monday 21 March, we were called to a fire on Alcester Road, Birmingham. Nine fire engines, an aerial hydraulic platform and a Brigade Response Vehicle responded, crewed by firefighters from eight different stations across the West Midlands.

“The incident involved a severe fire in the roof space of a first floor flat above a shop. Four firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus initially attacked the fire using hose reel jets. This was later increased to six BA wearers.

“Two main jets and a hydraulic platform were also utilised to attack the fire from the outside. Crews quickly made good progress tackling the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjacent properties. Fortunately, there were no casualties. By 2am, crews had begun scaling the incident down.

“We worked with partner agencies, such as West Midlands Police, to help arrange temporary rehousing for residents of the adjacent flats, as they had received some water damage.

“A revisit was arranged for 8:30am, and one crew remains in attendance to further monitor any hotspots.”

Northfield Fire Service tweeted: “Blue Watch attended a large roof fire above a shop in the Maypole area. Thankfully nobody hurt and fire was put out quickly through assertive firefighting, saving adjacent buildings.”

The UK Health Security Agency for the West Midlands urged people in the area to remain indoors.

A tweet from the UKHSA West Midlands account, read: “People in areas affected by smoke from the Alcester Road South fire should stay indoors, keep doors/windows closed and check online for advice. Any smoke can be an irritant - so people should limit time spent in areas affected by smoke.”

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