Fire in a void school, Ladywood, Birmingham

Gilby Road, Birmingham, UK

Shortly after 9.25pm on Tuesday 20 August, we responded to Gilby Road in the Ladywood area of Birmingham.

Five fire engines and a 4×4 brigade response vehicle initially responded, crewed by around 30 firefighters from Ladywood, Handsworth, Highgate, Bournbrook and Aston stations.

Two fires were discovered on the ground floor of a one-storey void school.

The fires, which caused extensive smoke damage throughout the building, were extinguished by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. There were no injuries or casualties. It is believed they were started deliberately.

Crews thoroughly checked for further fire spread throughout the building but managed to contain the blaze to the room of origin. They were supported by drone operations.

Cadent gas attended to isolate the supply. West Midlands Police assisted with site security.

Fire crews left the scene at 12.57am. We returned later that morning to check for hotspots but none were found.