Blaze of derelict building in Smethwick prompts huge response from fire service
Twelve fire crews were sent to tackle a blaze inside a derelict building in Smethwick this morning (May 18) with support from police.
Two roads have been closed since the fire was reported in the early hours of the morning and will remain closed as investigations continue.
In a post on X at around 3.14am, West Midlands Fire Service said: "We have 12 crews in attendance at a fire on Anderson Road, Bearwood, Smethwick.
"As a precaution, if you live or work nearby, please keep doors and windows closed. Avoid the area, where possible.
"Crews are working hard to bring a derelict building fire under control. Please avoid the area due to surrounding road closures."
Around an hour later, the service said they were scaling back the operation to six crews after making "good progress" extinguishing the fire.
It has since been scaled back to four crews, as they tweeted: "Incident will shortly be scaled back to 4 crews, damping down hot spots.
"Drone will be brought into use to assist due to the structural and complex nature of the building."
The fire service has since warned that the road is likely to be closed for most of the day.
In a post on X, a spokesperson added: "Crews continue to make good progress as our investigation into the cause of the fire at a commercial premises is underway.
"Police are managing road closures for parts of Bearwood Road and Anderson Road which are likely to be in place for most of today (18 May)."
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We were called to Anderson Road, Smethwick just after 2am this morning (18 May) to reports of a fire.
"We are continuing to support our fire colleagues with road closures and are working with their investigation team to establish what caused the fire. Bearwood High Street and Anderson Road remain closed.
"Anyone with information is asked to get in touch quoting log 329 of 18 May."
Emergency services have been contacted for further comment.