Blaze tears through West Bromwich homes

Crews from Tipton and West Bromwich were called to the blaze involving two end terrace houses in Whitehall Road at about 5.10pm yesterday.

The ground, first floor and roof space of both properties were affected by the blaze.

West Midlands Fire Service said the fire had caused 60 per cent damage to both homes.

A derelict former pub adjoining the properties also suffered smoke damage. West Midlands Fire Service spokesman James Round said: "We had three crews there at the peak of the incident.

"There was a crew from Tipton and two from West Bromwich. It was a severe fire involving the ground, first floor and roof space of the properties.

"It left both houses with 60 per cent damage. The pub was affected by smoke."

He said it was not yet known how the blaze started and the cause of the fire is due to be investigated in the coming days.

Fire crews were sent to the scene after a neighbour raised the alarm. It is thought nobody was inside either property by the time firefighters arrived.

Mr Round said: "We had confirmation that everyone was accounted for. No persons were present at the property.

"We were called at 5.11pm and the stop message was received at 7.38pm."

Two hose reels, four breathing apparatus and a hydraulic platform were also used to help bring the blaze under control.

Police were also called to the scene and partially closed off the road while firefighters dealt with the fire.

Mr Round added that workers from Sandwell Council also attended to ensure the properties were secure after fire crews extinguished the flames.