Four rescued as 50 firefighters battle blaze in city
Four people have been rescued from a second floor as 50 firefighters battled a blaze in Birmingham.
West Midlands Fire Service are at a void property in Soho Hill in Handsworth. The fire was reported at around 5.45am on Tuesday.
Firefighting was hampered due to the building structure being unsafe, crews said.
A spokesman for the service urged people and motorists to avoid the area.
The first fire crew arrived at the scene within five minutes of being mobilised. In all, the service sent 11 crews and two aerial platforms.
This was a severe fire involving a three-storey void building.
A spokeswoman added: "In spite of it not being in use, four men were rescued by our crews via ladder from the second floor.
"They left the scene shortly after being rescued.
"Some three quarters of the building were affected by fire, which made it unsafe for our firefighters to enter.
"However, by 8am the main seats of fire were confirmed to be out. Several main water jets were used.
"Local road closures are expected to remain in place until lunchtime, because of the dangerous state of the building and our continuing work at the scene.
"Five fire engines and one aerial platform remain in attendance.
"We have now lifted a warning to people nearby to keep doors and windows closed because of smoke.
"The cause of the fire has yet to be established."
