Flames burst from roof as fire engulfs house shutting road between Great Barr and Birmingham
A severe fire engulfed a house as flames burst from the roof forcing a busy commuter road to be closed.
Flames ripped through the house in Hamstead Road, Handsworth, this morning.
Smoke billowed from the home and firefighters brought in an aerial platform to fight the flames from above.
Ambulance staff cared for two people suffering from the effects of smoke but they did not need hospital treatment.
The road, leading from Great Barr into Birmingham city centre, had to be closed causing disruption for motorists and commuters.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at around 6.20am following a 999 call with the first fire crew arriving within four minutes.
The fire had spread into the roof forcing crews to battle to stop the flames spreading to a nearby home.
At its height around 25 firefighters were at the scene including crews from West Bromwich and Smethwick stations.
National Express West Midlands said the number 16 bus service had to be diverted via Handsworth Wood Road, Wood Lane, left Wellington Road, Birchfield Road, Lozells Road, Villa Road and back onto Hamstead Road.
A section of Hamstead Road remained closed between Villa Road and Churchill Road.
Residents were warned that water pressure may be affected because of the blaze.
An investigation would get under way into the cause once the fire was out.
