The fire at an old cinema in Smethwick may have been started deliberately | News

It started on Sunday at The Victoria Suite

West Midlands Fire Service – says Sunday’s fire is now being treated as suspected arson.

Smoke was seen billowing over the area around Walkmill Lane after the fire started on Sunday afternoon (May 5).

More than 50 firefighters were called at around 1.30pm after the fire was reported at the Art Deco building, once a cinema and bingo hall.

West Midlands Fire Service said ten crews used two hydraulic aerial platforms to bring the fire under control. A high-volume pump was also used, taking water from Cape Arm near the Birmingham Canal.

In their latest update on Monday afternoon – the Fire Service said ‘This incident has been brought to a safe conclusion. All roads and nearby shops have reopened.

Our crews will continue to visit the scene over the next few days to monitor hot spots.

The fire, which destroyed an abandoned cinema, is believed to have been started deliberately.

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