Pub roof collapses after fire
A blaze ripped through a derelict West Bromwich pub.
The Forresters Arms in Ault Street, was destroyed after a fire broke out in the living quarters of the first floor just before 9pm last night. Plumes of smoke from the roof could be seen from up to a mile away.
The blaze spread to the roof and the ground floor bar of the two storey building. At its peak 25 firefighters and four engines were at the scene and a crew was still damping down this morning.
Watch Commander Phil Richards from West Bromwich Fire Station said crews from Oldbury and Smethwick had also attended, but the fire was not thought to be suspicious.
He said: "It soon became clear that it was in a very unsafe condition and they were withdrawn from the first floor. Subsequently the roof collapsed and the first floor gave way as well.
"It started in the first floor lounge and spread."
