Firefighters battling blaze at derelict building near to Tipton pub
Fire crews have been called to tackle a blaze at a derelict building near to a Tipton pub.
West Midlands Fire Service descended upon the building near to the former Barge and Barrel pub, now the Old Bush Bar and Grill, on Factory Road, Tipton, at around 10am today.
Firefighters remain at the scene as they continue to work to tackle the blaze at the property but are said to be making "good progress".
The fire is said to have affected approximately 25 per cent of the building and roof, including an amount of fly-tipped rubbish in and around the site.
The canal towpath which runs adjacent to the pub has been closed to the public due to the water being taken by fire crew.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that no patients were discovered at the scene of the fire.
The statement read: "We were called at 10.57am by the fire service to a fire at a property on Factory Road in Tipton. A paramedic officer attended the scene.
"Upon arrival, no patients were found at the scene and we were stood down by the fire service as our assistance was no longer required."
People living and working nearby spoke about the land having been sold a few months ago and how much smoke they had seen from when the fire had started.
One local trader, who didn't want to be named, said he had been setting up his shop when he saw the smoke coming over from the site.
He said: "I think it was about 9.30am or 10am that the fire started and it got so bad at one point with the smoke that I had to close the windows and shut down for it bit as it was really thick.
"I didn't see what caused it, but I know there's nothing there about from the derelict site."
A woman walking her dogs said she had seen another fire at the site previously from her nearby flat.
She said: "I remember a caravan on the outside being set on fire a few months ago and I think the bigger building on the canal might have been set alight as well in the past.
"I think the site was sold to somebody a few months ago and I'd heard about plans for flats on the site, so it's a surprise to see it on fire."
"Crews are making good progress at this incident.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said at 2pm on Friday: "We are expecting to reduce the number of resources in attendance to three fire engines and one hydraulic aerial platform in the near future.
"The road was closed, but has since re-opened.
"Representatives from West Midlands Police, Canal and River Trust, National Grid and Cadent have also been in attendance at this incident."
The Express & Star has contacted West Midlands Police for comment.
