25 people evacuated following "severe" fire in Birmingham
A major blaze has seen homes evacuated as 50 firefighters battled a flats blaze above shops.
At 3.55am, crews responded to reports of a fire in a property on Lea Village, Kitts Green.
A total of nine crews attended the scene, made up of seven fire engines, two brigade response vehicles, a hydraulic aerial platform a command support unit and around 50 firefighters.
A West Midlands are and Rescue Spokesperson, said: "Due to a gas main in the property, which Cadent engineers on the scene are making safe and capping off, for public safety a 50-meter evacuation zone was established.
"Supported by officers from West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council, a total of 25 people were evacuated from nearby properties for their safety. All but one are safe with relatives, one gentleman is being cared for on the scene temporarily. "
The incident, which has since cleared, involved a fire in a mix-used premises, a commercial shop with a flat above.
West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service urged people to avoid the area as they dealt with the emergency.
The fire affected approximately 30 per cent of the roof space and 50 per cent of the first floor of the property. Three main jets, 2 hose reel jets and several firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire.
Road closures are still in place. Lea Village is closed up to the island with Filliott Road and Hurstcroft Road.
Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.
