Fire crews tackle fire at community centre in Pensnett as people warned to avoid the area
Firefighters have extinguished a major fire at Fens Pool Community Centre in Pensnett, which is believed to have been caused deliberately.
The blaze at the centre, which was due to hold a community day for local children today, is believed to have started in the early hours of Tuesday, August 19 morning.
There were no casualties and emergency services are scaling down their involvement at the scene.
A spokesman from West Midlands Fire Service said: "Shortly after 4.30am on Tuesday (19 August), we responded to Chapel Street, Pensnett.
"Four fire engines from Brierley Hill, Dudley, Tipton and Haden Cross stations attended, the first arriving within four minutes of being mobilised.
"This was a fire in a single-storey building used as a community centre, affecting around 30 per cent of the roof space. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three hose reels to extinguish the fire.
"Crews have stripped away areas of the ceiling to damp down hotspots. Dudley Council and West Midlands Police colleagues have been in attendance at this incident. There were no casualties or injuries.
"We have scaled down our resources and two fire engines remain at the scene. Firefighters continue to clear the building of remaining property and are expected to leave the scene shortly.
“It's believed this fire started deliberately.”
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We were alerted to a fire at premises on Chapel Street, Pensnett at around 5am this morning (19 August).
"It’s suspected the fire may have been started deliberately and we are working with fire investigators to establish the cause.
"Anyone with information can call us on 101 quoting log 515 of 19 August."
