Huge fire tears through roof of The New Bingley Hall in Birmingham
More than 100 fire fighters were on the scene at the Hockley Circus venue
More than 100 Fire Fighters have been dealing with a severe fire affecting roof space of event hall in Birmingham through the night.
A spokes person for the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said:
'Shortly after 4.15pm on 14 September 2022, we were alerted to a severe fire in the roof of an events hall in Hockley Circus, Birmingham, covering approximately 5000 square metres of a 2 story building.
'15 Fire engines, 4 brigade response vehicles, 3 hydraulic platforms and over 100 fire fighters are currently in attendance, the first arriving in under 5 minutes.'
They go on to say Police, Ambulance and other partner agencies were also present.
Whitmore street was closed and they are encouraging people to avoid the area. Those living in close proximity are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed.
Drones have been used at the scene to aid crews in bringing the fire under control.
Crews made progress on scene through the night, tackling the blaze within the insulation of the roof space. All occupants had evacuated from the building when they arrived.
This morning the service said operations were scaled down throughout the night but more than 35 crew and 10 vehicles remain on site.
A spokesperson said: 'This remains a complex incident due to the location of the fire within the roof space.
Roads are gradually being re-opened but may be temporarily closed for access or safety reasons as the incident progresses. Guidance remains in place to avoid the area.
Local residents were advised to continue to keep their windows and doors closed throughout the night and look for further guidance in the morning.
Goode Avenue, Whitmore Street and The Crescent remain closed.
People are being asked to please avoid the area.