Fire investigators have concluded that a severe blaze which engulfed a historic Grade II-listed building in Birmingham started accidentally. The fire ripped through the former HB Sale factory on Constitution Hill in Hockley, requiring a major emergency response.
Major Emergency Response to Historic Building Fire
The incident began shortly before 7.30am on Thursday, January 16. More than 50 firefighters were deployed to the scene as flames erupted from the fourth floor of the five-storey structure. Dramatic images showed fire spitting from the iconic building as crews worked tirelessly to bring the inferno under control.
One individual was taken to hospital for treatment after suffering from smoke inhalation, although paramedics described their injuries as minor. The area surrounding the factory was cordoned off in all directions, causing significant disruption, but the affected streets have since reopened to the public.
Investigation Findings and Ongoing Safety Measures
In an update issued on Friday, a spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service stated definitively: "Our investigators believe this fire started accidentally." The announcement followed a thorough examination of the scene.
Firefighters completed damping down operations at the site by Thursday afternoon. However, the service confirmed it would continue to revisit the building overnight to ensure it remained safe. A full and thorough search of the premises was conducted, confirming that everyone had been accounted for.
Collaboration and Scaling Down
Utility company National Grid attended the incident to work on isolating a nearby substation as a safety precaution. With the immediate danger passed and damping down complete, the fire service planned to scale down the incident to three fire engines.
The former HB Sale factory, a protected Grade II-listed building, is a notable part of Birmingham's industrial heritage. The accidental blaze has highlighted the ongoing challenges of protecting such historic structures from fire damage.
