Firefighters rushed to the scene of a blaze at a Birmingham tower block this morning, with around 200 people evacuated and four given medical treatment. West Midlands Fire Service received reports of the fire, which reportedly broke out in an HSBC branch on the ground floor of the multi-storey building, below a Premier Inn, at 2:40am on Sunday, October 5. Over 60 firefighters were dispatched to the corner of New Street and Stephenson Place, alongside 12 fire engines and five response vehicles.
The 200 people evacuated from the tower block were believed to be Premier Inn guests, as were the four people who received treatment for smoke inhalation. They were then transported to a nearby branch of the hotel chain on Waterloo Street for breakfast, according to reports.
Dr Jacky Guy, who was among those rescued from the building after fire broke out, took to X to praise staff for their quick work. “I was caught up in the fire evacuation from Birmingham New Street,” she said. “I must commend your staff … on their cheerful helpfulness. Couldn’t fault them. Also the staff at Waterloo Street who took us in for breakfast. Thanks to all.”
West Midlands Fire Service said in a statement: “We were called at 2:40am on Sunday October 5 to reports of a fire on New Street in Birmingham city centre.
“Twelve fire engines and five brigade response vehicles attended, crewed by firefighters from stations across the Birmingham area.”
“The fire was located on the ground floor of a mixed-use tall building – a bank with a hotel above.
“Fourteen firefighters wearng breathing apparatus tackled the fire. It was confirmed to be out shortly before 4:10am. Firefighters carried out further checks to identify and clear remaining pockets of smoke.
“Four people were treated for smoke inhalation, three of whom were led to safety by our crews.
“Around 200 people were evacuated from the hotel, and firefighters have carried out a thorough, floor-by-floor search of the building. Firefighters checked every room of the hotel, and there were no further casualties.”