Firefighters combat 'severe' blaze at derelict building in Tipton
Fire crews have battled a "severe fire" at a derelict building in Tipton which blazed in the early hours of the morning.
The fire on Sedgley Road West started at around 2.20am and required a team of 35 firefighters to combat the blaze.
Nearby residents have been advised to avoid the area and keep their windows closed.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Shortly after 2.20am on Thursday, we responded to a severe fire on Sedgley Road West in Tipton.
"Seven fire engines and a hydraulic aerial platform responded, crewed by around 35 firefighters from several Black Country and Birmingham fire stations.
"The first fire engine arrived at the scene within three minutes of being mobilised.
"This was a fire affecting a derelict two-storey building. Crews used four main jets to extinguish the fire and were assisted by a drone operator.
"The incident was scaled down at around 3.40am as progress continued to be made.
"The fire was confirmed to be out at 6.10am. We left the scene at 8.50am, but the site will be revisited throughout the day to check for hotspots."
