What we know so far from high-rise building fire with people evacuated
A fire has broken out at a high-rise block in Birmingham city centre this afternoon.
The blaze has taken place at a 16-storey building at Colmore Circus Queensway. Smoke could be seen billowing into the sky over the city this afternoon (September 15).
Firefighters from West Midlands Fire Service are currently at the scene. The fire service said it has completed a full evacuation of the building, which is disused. Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: “Shortly after 4.30pm on Monday (15 September), we responded to Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham City Centre.
“At present, six fire engines, three brigade response vehicles and a hydraulic aerial platform are in attendance at a fire on the top floor of a 16-storey high-rise. Colmore Row is closed while we work at the scene.
“Due to it being rush hour, please avoid the area and seek other transport routes at this time. Crews have been making good progress getting water to the fire, and it has now been surrounded. A full evacuation of the building, which is disused, has been completed.”