More than 25 firefighters battling blaze in first-floor flat
A flat above a shop has been engulfed in a severe fire leading to road closures and diversions.
More than 25 firefighters are battling the blaze in Bearwood High Street, Smethwick, having received a 999 call at 3.33pm today.
Fire crews from Smethwick, Sheldon, Ladywood, Handworth and Woodgate Valley are all in attendance, along with an hydraulic platform.
The blaze has led to congestion on the Hagley Road, at the Bearwood High Street junction.
The High Street itself has also been restricted and motorists are being advised to avoid the area.
National Express West Midlands tweeted that several bus routes had been diverted due to the fire.
The 11A and 11C are missing three stops along Bearwood Road, one on Rutland Road and two on Sandon Road.
The 82, 87, 48A services also avoiding Bearwood Terminus, while the 48 and 49 will miss out the High Street.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "This is still an ongoing incident. It's a severe fire in a first-floor flat.
"We have four firefighters with breathing apparatus at the scene and we're also using four hosereel jets, along with a cover jet.
"There's a possibility the fire has spread into the roof, which is why the hydraulic platform has been requested.
"However, there have been no reports of any injuries."
