220 people evacuated from Midland hotel following restaurant fire
More than 200 people had to be evacuated from a hotel today when a fire broke out in a takeaway restaurant.
The blaze started just before 6.30am in The Food Republic on Broad Street in Birmingham, and at its height eight fire engines and around 40 firefighters were on the scene, including staff from Smethwick fire station.
Around 220 guests were evacuated by staff of the Hampton by Hilton Hotel, which is above the restaurant. Firefighters also checked the hotel to make sure no-one else was inside.
Fourteen firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire, which was extinguished by 7.50am.
The extent of the damage is not yet known, and investigators are currently working on finding out the cause of the blaze, which is believed to be suspicious.
The hotel was not available for comment this morning, but it is understood smoke issuing from the fire was the reason behind the evacuation.
Highgate fire station wrote on its Twitter account: "The fire on Broad Street this morning was at Food Republic. Smoke affected the @Hampton Hilton hotel which necessitated an evacuation."
Meanwhile, Broad Street was closed heading out of the city between Sheepcote Street and Ryland Street, causing havoc for rush hour traffic around the immediate area.
Twitter user @SarahACromwell wrote: "I hope none of you are stuck in the Broad Street fire, complete chaos.
"Hagley Road will be a living nightmare."
A fire also broke out this morning at the Bramford Arms in Tipton Road, Sedgley, at around 7.15am.
The fire, which was sparked by an electrical fault, started in the cellar. The cleaner raised the alarm, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were able to contain the fire to the cellar.
Dudley watch commander Andrew Froggatt said: "The fire was caused by an electrical fault with the incoming supply. Thankfully the fire could be confined to the room of origin because of good information from the cleaner on arrival and the actions of the breathing apparatus crew."
General manager, Alex Lacey, added: "We had a little electrical fire that was confined to a small storage area."
