Fire crews tackle blaze at Black Country cannabis farm
Around 20 firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a cannabis factory in the Black Country.
Emergency services were called to the fire at a three-storey house in High Street, Smethwick, at around 11.30am on Friday.
The fire involved the first and second floors of the building.
Crews remained at the scene at 1pm this afternoon.
High Street was closed between Corbett Street and Edgbaston Road while crews tackled the fire.
It is not known how many cannabis plants were inside but West Midlands Police described the drugs factory as "substantial". So far no arrests have been made.
A spokeswoman from West Midlands police said: "We were alerted to a fire at a property on Smethwick High Street at around 11.40am this morning and officers attended to manage the scene.
"It was discovered that the address contained a substantial cannabis factory and enquiries are now underway to find out who is responsible.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us via live chat on our website.
"To remain 100 per cent anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote log 1565 of 22/01/21.
"Criminals are using more inventive ways to conceal cannabis grows – not just in rooms, but in the back of shops and even underground.
"Every cannabis farm we destroy helps prevent a vicious circle. The plants won’t end up as street deals, the profits won’t go on to fund other crime, and they won’t ruin lives or pollute our communities."
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman added: "We received the call at 11.28am this morning and we responded to a house fire in High Street, in Smethwick. We still have four crews at the scene, with around 20 personnel in total. An aerial platform is also in attendance at the scene.
"There was a severe fire which appeared to be in the loft space of the property and crews were working to gain access.
"At around 12pm, firefighters reported that it was a severe fire in the first and second floors of a mid-terrace three-storey property.
"The adjacent property has also been checked to see if the fire had spread."
