Ambulance crews treat nine people after Wolverhampton fire
Nine people were left needing medical treatment after a suspected arson attack at a block of flats in Wolverhampton today.
Crews from West Midlands Fire Service were called to the two-storey property on Compton Road in Wolverhampton after reports of a small fire.
The crews from Bilston, Fallings Park and Wolverhampton Fire Stations arrived at the scene around 4.08am and put out the fire while using four breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet.
Two ambulance and a paramedic officer from West Midlands Ambulance service also attended the scene and were initially treating eight patients.
During assessment, a ninth person presented themselves to crews and was taken to New Cross Hospital for further treatment, with the other eight discharged at the scene.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 4:03am to reports of a fire in Compton Road.
"We sent two ambulances and a paramedic officer to the scene. On arrival, crews were presented with eight patients.
Alerted
"As they were being assessed, a ninth person presented themselves to crews.
"Eight of the patients were discharged at the scene, with one conveyed to New Cross Hospital for further treatment."
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Just after 4am this morning, we were alerted to a small fire at a two-storey property on Compton Road, Wolverhampton.
"A fire engine and brigade response vehicle from Wolverhampton Fire Station plus two other engines from Fallings Park and Bilston along with 18 firefighters attended the scene, with the first crew arriving in just under four minutes.
"Four breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet were required to put out the fire which we believe was started deliberately.
"Eleven occupants residing in the six flats within the property were rescued by crews and tended to by the ambulance service.
"Firefighters remained at the scene until 6.30am."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating reports of an arson attack at a flat on Compton Road, Wolverhampton at 4am today.
"A number of people from the surrounding flats were checked over by ambulance colleagues and taken to hospital as a precaution.
"There was damage to a communal staircase.
"Investigations are ongoing and anyone can contact us via live chat on our website or by calling 101. Please quote crime reference number 20WV/76697T/21."
