Watch: Eight fire crews fight blaze at block of flats in Walsall
Eight fire crews tackled a blaze at a Walsall block of flats this morning where two people had to be led to safety.
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Emergency services, including 45 firefighters, were called to the incident in Stafford Street between John Street and Portland Street shortly after 4.50am.
Police and the ambulance service were also in attendance and people were warned to avoid the area.
West Midlands Fire Service said the fire, in a three-storey building used as flats, affected the second floor and roof space.
Firefighters supported by drone operations were able to bring the blaze under control and are now extinguishing hotspots.
Two people were led to safety after suffering from smoke inhalation and have been conveyed to Walsall Manor Hospital for further treatment.
A number of roads in the area have also been closed.
Posting a drone image of the fire, showing smoke rising from the scene, West Midlands Fire Service said on X this morning: "We currently have eight crews dealing with a fire in a building on Stafford St Walsall.
"Police and ambulance are supporting. Good progress is being made.
"Stafford St between John St and Blue lane West (A4148) is closed. Please avoid the area."
An update from the fire service later said: "Shortly after 4.50am on Wednesday, we responded to Stafford Street, Walsall.
"Eight fire engines and a hydraulic aerial platform initially responded, crewed by around 45 firefighters.
"The fire, in a three-storey building used as flats, affected the second floor and roof space.
"Firefighters supported by drone operations were able to bring the blaze under control and are now extinguishing hotspots.
"Two people were led to safety and are believed to have been conveyed to Walsall Manor Hospital for further treatment. All other people were accounted for after searches were conducted on all properties.
"Stafford Street, Short Acre Street and Portland Street remain closed.
"Police colleagues and highways are in attendance, assisting with traffic management."
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 5.28am to reports of a property fire on Stafford Street, Walsall. An ambulance and paramedic officer attended the scene. Two patients suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to Walsall Manor Hospital."
An update at about 11.40am said four fire engines remained at the scene.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "A multi-agency briefing has taken place, involving representatives from West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Police, a surveyor, Emergency Planning and Walsall Council.
"Upcoming work includes confirming the fire is out, checking for further hotspots, and establishing the isolation of electric.
"Road closures remain in place."
People who work or live nearby have also been urged to close their windows and doors as a precaution.
Residents have reported traffic congestion in the area.
Peter Hardiman, aged 55, who was this morning visiting relatives in nearby Hall Street, said: "The traffic was bad, but it was moving.
"Stafford Street was blocked off and the fire and police services were there."
