Fire service releases update on builders yard fire that left one man with 'serious injuries'

The fire was first reported to the fire service at around 1.45pm on Wednesday, January 1.

Seven crews, from Smethwick, Ladywood, West Bromwich, Aston, Oldbury and Bournbrook fire stations rushed to the scene, with the first fire team arriving in under 3 minutes. 

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: "Seven fire engines and a 4×4 brigade response vehicle initially responded, crewed by firefighters from Smethwick, Handsworth, Ladywood, West Bromwich, Aston, Oldbury and Bournbrook.

"This was a fire in a timber-built storage structure in a builder's yard, measuring approximately 20m x 20m. The fire also affected a nearby caravan and building materials."

On arrival, teams discovered the fire ripping through a timber-built structure in a builder's yard, with the blaze also affecting a nearby caravan and building materials.

At the height of the blaze, 40 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and 12 fire engines were at the scene, with drone operators helping to support the operation.

The spokesperson continued: "At the height of this fire, 40 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and 12 fire appliances were in attendance.

"Drone operations supported firefighters."

One man was badly injured in the fire, receiving significant burn wounds.

Talking about the injured man, a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "Upon arrival, we found a man who was assessed and had sustained serious injuries which were not believed to be life-threatening. 

"He received treatment at the scene before being conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital under emergency blue light conditions for further treatment."

The incident was scaled down by 10pm the same day, with further visits being held by West Midlands Fire Service to check for hotspots.

Following a third visit, the site was handed back to the owners.