Residents evacuated in blaze at high-rise tower block
Dozens of people fled and 11 were rescued from a fire at a high-rise tower block in the West Midlands.
More than 40 firefighters battled the blaze at Humber Tower in Francis Street, Birmingham, at around 2am today.
Crews from eight fire appliances arrived in under five minutes and led 11 people to safety – with eight of those receiving a check-up.
The blaze broke out on the 14th floor of the 16-storey building.
A total of 60 people self-evacuated from the building, with no injuries reported, West Midlands Fire Service said.
Investigations are now under way to find out the cause of the fire, with firefighters likely to be at the scene throughout the day.
A spokesman for the fire service said: " Our first crews arrived in under five minutes.
"Fire is under control and teams are performing safety checks to all affected floors.
No serious injuries reported. 60 residents self evacuated. Investigations ongoing.
"Thank you to colleagues from West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council for support."
The Hazardous Area Response Team, two paramedics officers, a tactical commander, one ambulance and a MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "Once residents had been safely evacuated, ambulance crews assessed a total of eight patients who had suffered smoke inhalation.
"All were discharged at the scene and given advice to seek further medical advice if their condition worsens."
