Moment huge blaze engulfs homes on residential street leaving charred wreck as firefighters battle to put out flames
THIS is the terrifying moment flames engulfed a number of homes today as desperate firefighters battled to put out the blaze.
The clip shows vehicles flashing blue and red as they rush down the street in Stratford Road in Sparkhill, Birmingham, on Monday morning.
Onlookers watch in awe while the polices sirens wail and more than 50 firefighters surround the blaze which broke out shortly before 4.55am.
Heavy smoke billows on to the streets from windows and doors, with trucks stationed outside the burning buildings.
Local property developer and Sparkhill resident Isaac Zintaan told PA news he was alerted to the chaos by residents after they told him they heard a “loud explosion”.
He said: “I have a business close by – the residents of my premises heard a loud explosion.
“‘Like a bomb went off’ that’s what they described.”
It was said to start in the front of a retail store which then spread to residential flats situated above it.
There have been no reports of any deaths or injuries from the fire and five people leaving the properties received health checks from paramedics.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
West Midlands Fire Service said: “We have multiple crews in attendance at a fire on Stratford Road, Sparkhill involving a significant fire at a mixed commercial and residential premises.
“Please avoid the area, where possible.”
The fire has led to road closures and travel disruption.
Bus company NX West Midlands said: “Due to an Emergency service lead incident on Stratford Road Sparkhill 6 are on diversion in both directions via Howell Green Lane, Yardley Wood Road, Wake Green Road and College Road.
“We apologise for any disruption to your journey.”