Huge blaze wrecks historic Varsity site

Fire engulfed a factory in an arson attack that sent huge flames and billows of smoke shooting into the sky.

At its peak, 70 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze at the derelict Varsity building in Foundry Lane, Smethwick.

Flames completely engulfed the four-storey building and a specialist pumping engine capable of jetting out thousands of gallons of water was called in from the Sheldon area of Birmingham.

Water was also taken from the nearby Birmingham Canal.

Firefighters from across the West Midlands were called to the scene at 7.55pm last night and were still there today.

The blaze is now being treated as suspicious and was caused by two separate pockets of fire in the building.

West Midlands Fire Service group commander Mick Birch said the Varsity had been the target of arsonists before.

Police were also at the site and cordoned off Foundry Lane, Rabone Lane and Cornwall Road to traffic.

Smoke could be scene for miles around and flames were roaring out of the building and into the sky.

Twelve fire engines and two hydraulic platforms were called to the factory, which measures 320ft by 65ft.

A special command unit was also set up in Cornwall Road to manage the huge operation.

Group commander Birch said the building was last used as a pine furniture manufacturer. Pieces of old furniture were still inside the factory when it was set alight.

No-one was hurt in the fire and investigations were today continuing.

The factory is in the middle of an industrial estate in Soho area of Smethwick.

Woodburn Road and Foundry Lane were still closed due to fire today. Crews from across the region remained at the scene.

Group commander Mick Birch said three fire crews remained at the scene today.

He said: "More than 80 per cent of the building has been destroyed and it is structurally unsafe. Floors four, three and two are all unsafe.

"A hydraulic platform is at the scene dampening down the remaining fire hotspots."

More than two million litres of water have been used in the fight against the flames so far.

A structural engineer from the council was due at the scene today to investigate the remains of the structure.