Fatal house fire, Wednesbury

Shortly before 4.10am on Monday (20 November), we responded to Wednesbury Road, Walsall.

Four fire engines were mobilised, crewed by 17 firefighters from Walsall, Willenhall and Wednesbury stations.

This was a severe fire in a first-floor flat, in a two-storey building. The fire started in a bedroom, which was completely affected by fire, whilst the flat below was heavily smoke logged.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire. Very sadly, paramedics confirmed the death of one person found inside the flat where the fire started. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.

Our crews checked a number of neighbouring properties for fire and smoke spread.

One person left the building before we arrived, but was uninjured.

Wednesbury Road remains closed, with diversions in place.

Our fire investigators are at the scene and liaising with West Midlands Police. They are being supported by a team from our Technical Rescue Unit, who are ensuring that the building is safe to enter.