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High-rise tower block evacuated after fire

Emergency services were called at around 11.30AM this morning (1 July) to reports of a fire on the 25th floor of a tower block.

Residents were evacuated and there have been no reported injuries at this time.

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Advice to residents following Birmingham high-rise fire

Credit: WMFS.

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice for tenants of high-rise tower blocks following a suspected arson attack in the city earlier today.

Area Commander Ben Brook said:

“We understand that around 750 people live in the tower block, but that no-one was injured. Following the Grenfell Tower fire in London last month, today’s incident was understandably shocking for everyone concerned. Our firefighters will be carrying out Safe and Well checks for residents of Cleveland Tower and providing reassurance."

"I would urge all residents of high-rise blocks, in the West Midlands and across the country, to make themselves aware of the evacuation procedure that applies in their building. This should be communicated by the landlord."

“It is also important that lobbies, stairwells and communal areas are kept free of clutter and combustible materials. I urge everyone living in tower blocks to have a plan of what to do should a fire start in their own flat or elsewhere in the building.”

– Area Commander Ben Brook

The following advice has been issued in case there’s a fire in your flat:

  • Plan and practise an escape route with anyone you live with – it’s usually your normal way in or out
  • Close doors behind you as you leave activate the fire alarm if you can do so safely
  • Don’t use lifts to get out
  • Stay out the building
  • Call 999If there’s a fire in another part of the building
  • know your landlord’s advice, which may be ‘stay put’ or evacuate
  • Fire safety standards mean individual flats should be safe from fire for 30-60 minutesIf you do stay put
  • Call 999
  • Use wet towels or sheets to fill gaps around doors and seal out smoke
  • Smoke rises, so stay low if there’s no smoke outside,
  • Open a window slightly to let smoke out but try to avoid breaking the window as you might need to close it later.
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High-rise tower block evacuated after fire

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