Former cinema in Smethwick engulfed by fire as more than 50 Firefighters tackle blaze

A building that was once a cinema has been engulfed in flames, with firefighters battling the fire.

The West Midlands Fire Service was alerted at 1.34pm, following sightings of smoke emerging from a four-storey structure on Windmill Lane, Smethwick. Over 50 firefighters have been dispatched to the location.

In an official statement, the fire service confirmed: "A total of 12 fire crews are currently in attendance at this incident, which involves a fire in a commercial property, formally a cinema complex. A hydraulic aerial platform is also at the scene.

"There is severe smoke logging to the premises and crews are working to locate and tackle the fire." The West Midlands Police had closed off Windmill Lane for traffic, while the fire service has also announced that the Windmill Shopping Park/Centre, which is adjacent to the affected property, was shut down earlier than usual as a safety measure due to the smoke in the vicinity.

Residents in the area have been advised to keep their doors and windows shut.

Firefighters used two main jets, a hose reel jet, and a covering jet, with several of them used breathing apparatus. A hydraulic aerial platform is also in use.

A drone operated by the fire service was providing an aerial perspective to aid firefighting operations.

There are currently no reported casualties or injuries.