A fleet of 75 firefighters were sent to tackle an inferno engulfing multiple factories in Birmingham this morning.
West Midlands Fire Service initially sent eight fire engines to the scene on Warwick Road, Sparkhill, at 7.15am, but quickly increased the level of support upon realising the scale of the blaze.
And just shortly after 10am, the service confirmed they had sent 75 firefighters, 15 fire engines, three hydraulic platforms and a high volume pump in an attempt to control the fire.
It is believed that the premises involved is Midland Linen Services and several other businesses within the same building – which can be seen fully alight in footage from the scene.
There have been no confirmed casualties as a result of the blaze, which is currently listed as ‘ongoing’ on the fire service’s website.
The service also confirmed that around 400 nearby houses are now suffering from power cuts due to the knock-on effect of the fire on a nearby substation.
They said: ‘A substation affected by the fire at Warwick Road, Sparkhill, has been isolated remotely by National Grid, impacting approx 380 homes.
‘National Grid expect all power to be restored to all homes by 6.30pm.’
Severn Trent Water were also called to increase water flow in the area as initial attempts to extinguish the fire were being hampered by low water pressure.
Meanwhile Birmingham Police confirmed that they had been called in to assist at around 11am, and they are believed to still be there.
A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service urged locals to keep their windows and doors closed over fears of damage caused by smoke inhalation.
It read: ‘Our fire colleagues are currently dealing with a large fire in Birmingham. There are no casualties. Please avoid the area.
‘Locals are advised to close windows and doors to avoid smoke inhalation. More updates will be available via West Midlands Fire Service.’
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: ‘Shortly after 7am this morning (Sunday 20 April), crews responded to an incident on Warwick Road in Sparkhill.
’40 percent of a single storey multi use industrial unit has been reported to be affected by fire.
‘At its height, there were 15 fire engines and a total of 75 personnel in attendance.
‘Firefighters are using three hydraulic platforms and main jets to extinguish the blaze and are working closely with Cadent, Severn Trent and West Midlands Ambulance Service.
‘There are no casualties and no persons reported.’