Smethwick pub fire: Road closed after flames rip through derelict building
More than 20 firefighters fought a blaze at a derelict pub in Smethwick.
Crews worked to contain the fire which spread through The New Navigation pub last night.
Firefighters tackled the blaze which spread throughout the first floor of the pub, in Lewisham Road, near the junction with Bridge Street North.
In total 23 firefighters from Oldbury, West Bromwich, Handsworth and Smethwick stations attended the scene.
A hydraulic platform was brought in to allow crews to fight the flames from above. The fire started around 7.40pm
Lewisham Road had to be closed off by emergency services while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "The first floor of the three-storey derelict property was on fire with 40 per cent of the first floor damaged by fire and 60 per cent damaged by smoke.
"10 per cent of the roof was also affected by fire."
Six firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus to allow them to get close enough to extinguish the flame. They used two hoses to help douse the flames.
Gas and electrics were also isolated in the building.
