Express & Star

Birmingham fire: Smoke fills city sky as blaze hits factory

Smoke was pouring across the Birmingham sky today after a major fire broke out at a disused factory.

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Nearly 30 firefighters were battling the blaze at the derelict factory on Barr Street in Hockley.

No-one was reported injured, but ambulance crews and police officers were also on the scene.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Fire crews were called to the first-floor blaze at around 3.45pm and soon advised people to avoid the area, while Twitter users posted images of smoke rising high above the city centre skyline.

By 5.pm the blaze appeared to be under control, but a photo from Smethwick fire crews showed the building's roof had been completely destroyed.

West Midlands Fire Service said they were using six pumps and one aerial platform to tackle the flames and described the building as a 'traditional brick built construction' measuring 15 by 40 metres.

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed their hazardous area response team was at the factory along with a paramedic area support officer.

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