Smethwick fire: Huge blaze engulfs building as over 50 firefighters scramble to scene
Locals have been warned to "stay away" as 12 fire crews remain on the scene tackling the huge fire.
A huge fire has engulfed a former cinema complex, with 12 fire crews scrambling to the scene.
West Midlands Fire Service have warned locals in Smethwick to avoid the area as there is "severe smoke logging to the premises".
Residents and nearby businesses are urged to close their windows and doors as a precaution.
THIS LIVE HAS NOW CLOSED.
Roads surrounding the scene remain closed
Roads surrounding the scene of the fire remain closed in Smethwick's Capehill area.
Police have warned the incident could keep the roads closed for a significant period of time.
West Midlands Fire Service reports no casualties or injuries
West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed there were no casualties or injuries as a result of the blaze in Smethwick.
Video shows firefighters battling the blaze
New footage posted to Twitter has shown fire crews battling the blaze at the former cinema complex and bingo hall in Smethwick.
OLD BINGO HALL ON FIRE: Cape Hill Smethwick - Windmill Lane @Asda, @HomeBargains, @PureGym, @Matalan, @BootsUK etc at risk, @WMPolice have blocked off the area, police, fire service in attendance. Please keep away and let emergency services deal with problems. pic.twitter.com/S3DyijBqlt
\u2014 Abbasi \uea00 (@MohammedAbbasi) May 5, 2024
Drivers warned of Capehill diversions and road closures
Drivers have been warned over diversions and road closures in the Capehill area of Smethwick where the fire broke out.
People are being advised to avoid the area and be patient if they have to travel.
Pictures show smoke pouring out of the former cinema
Pictures posted on social media have shown smoke pouring out of the former cinema in Smethwick.
The images posted by Smethwick Police came as the force warned locals to stay clear.
Please keep away from The Windmill Shopping Centre due to a fire @sandw pic.twitter.com/cozW3Wkzv2
\u2014 Smethwick Police (@SmethwickWMP) May 5, 2024
Folk living nearby urged to close windows and doors
Folk living close to the scene in Windmill Lane, Smethwick have been told to close all windows and doors.
West Midlands Fire Service said: "Please avoid the area, where possible, and keep doors and windows closed if you live or work nearby."
Windmill Lane fully closed to traffic
Windmill Lane where the fire broke out is currently closed to traffic.
West Midlands Fire Service says it expects the incident to continue for some time adding it could continue throughout the night.
The nearby retail park has also been closed as a result of the fire.
West Midlands Fire Service issues statement
West Midlands Fire Service has issued a statement after a former cinema complex caught fire in Smethwick.
It read: "We received calls around 1.34pm on 5 May 2024 reporting smoke issuing from a building on Windmill Lane, Smethwick.
"A total of 12 fire crews are currently in attendance at this incident, which involves a fire in a commercial property, formally a cinema complex. A hydraulic aerial platform is also at the scene.
"There is severe smoke logging to the premises and crews are working to locate and tackle the fire.
"West Midlands Police are also in attendance, road closures around the incident are likely, but not confirmed at this time. Please avoid the area where possible.
"Due to smoke in the area, local residents and businesses are asked to close their doors and windows as a precaution."
What we know so far
A former cinema complex in Smethwick in the West Midlands is currently on fire.
Locals are being urged to avoid the area with 12 fire crews currently on the scene.
The building caught light at about 1.30pm in the town's Windmill Lane.
Police are also in attendance and road closures are likely.
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