Twenty firefighters were deployed to battle a significant blaze in a Birmingham city centre tower block on New Year's Eve, rescuing two residents from the scene.
Emergency Response to Granville Street Fire
West Midlands Fire Service received the emergency call at 6.55pm on Wednesday, December 31. The incident was reported at a residential high-rise building on Granville Street, a key route linking Broad Street with Bath Row in the heart of Birmingham.
The fire had taken hold on the sixth floor of the building, within a single flat. Fire crews from multiple stations across the city immediately scrambled to the scene. The response included two crews from Ladywood, two from Highgate, and an additional crew from Bournville.
Rescue Operation and Scene Management
In a crucial operation, firefighters successfully rescued two individuals from the affected property. A fire service spokeswoman confirmed that one male and one female were brought to safety from the building.
By 7.30pm, the fire service had issued a public warning via social media platform X, stating: “We have 5 crews in attendance at Granville Street, Birmingham, where they have responded to a fire. Please avoid the area, where possible.” This was to facilitate emergency access and ensure public safety around the incident site.
Conclusion of the Incident
The firefighting operation continued for approximately an hour and twenty minutes. The last fire crew departed from Granville Street at 8.15pm, having brought the situation under full control.
The swift and coordinated response from West Midlands Fire Service prevented a potentially more serious outcome on what is typically one of the busiest nights of the year. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and an investigation may follow the initial emergency response.
