Roads closed as crews battle city centre blaze

News imageMark Lewis Thick plumes of black smoke rising from a red brick building in a densely populated area of Birmingham city centre. Orange flames can also be seen. The surrounding buildings are mainly red brick as well as some more industrial. Mark Lewis
A number of crews are tackling a fire on Great Hampton Street in Birmingham, West Midlands Fire Service said.

Firefighters are tackling a large blaze that has forced road closures and is sending plumes of thick smoke into the sky above Birmingham city centre.

A number of crews have been called to Great Hampton Street, near the city's Jewellery Quarter, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) said.

The road is closed as well as a number nearby, including Barr Street and Constitution Hill between Northwood Street and Halford Street.

The public has been urged by WMFS to avoid the area and warned them not to fly drones nearby as a fire service drone was in operation and others being used in the area could hamper work to bring the blaze under control.

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