Drugs equipment found at Smethwick building fire
[gallery] Cannabis growing equipment was found when firefighters were called to a major building blaze in Smethwick.
More than 30 firefighters from eight stations across the Midlands were called to the industrial premises in Rolfe Street at around 11.55pm last night.
Flames ripped through the building, completely destroying the roof as crews fought to bring the blaze under control.
The fire also affected 25 per cent of the first floor of the two storey building as jets of water were sent in to quell the fierce flames seen bursting out of the premises.
Neighbouring buildings were protected but had suffered some smoke damage.
Emergency services urged people to avoid the area.
Crews from Smethwick, Handsworth, Ladywood, West Bromwich, Woodgate Valley, Aston, Oldbury and Haden Cross were called to the scene of the blaze near Rolfe Street railway station.
Firefighters were able to come away from the scene shortly after 1.45am.
West Midlands Police spokeswoman Sarah Buxton said: "Officers initially attended in order to direct traffic. While there, they were made aware of equipment at the scene which suggested someone may have been trying to set up a cannabis factory. There were no plants at the scene."
