Newtown fire injury update after building roof catches fire

Firefighters say they have now fully extinguished a burning building in Newtown and made the site safe. It comes after the derelict two-storey property in Princip Street caught fire at around 9.05pm last night, May 17.

West Midlands Fire Service rushed to the scene and urged residents to keep their windows closed as black smoke billowed into the sky. Firefighters confirmed this morning that no one was injured in the fire.

The inferno was extinguished last night around 22.55. Fire crews extinguished several hot spots during the first visit to the scene in the early hours of this morning.

Read more: Newtown fire live as residents warned to ‘keep doors and windows closed’

A second check today confirmed that there are no hot spots left. A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: Shortly after 9.05pm on Thursday 16 May we responded to Princip Street in Newtown.

“Four fire engines, three 4×4 brigade response vehicles and a hydraulic aerial platform from Ladywood, Aston, Handsworth, Highgate and Oldbury stations responded – the first arriving within five minutes of being mobilized.

“There was a fire in a derelict two-storey building which affected the second floor and the roof. Firefighters were supported by drone operations and an emergency evacuation zone was set up.

“It was confirmed that the fire was extinguished shortly after 10.55pm by crews wearing breathing apparatus. There were no injuries and all were located.

“Police colleagues were present, assisting with the management of the outer cordon. A crew extinguished several hot spots during the first visit to the scene in the early hours of this morning. A second review this morning confirmed that there are no hot spots left.”