West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a serious property fire in the Stechford area of Birmingham. The incident, which occurred on Francis Road, prompted a large-scale emergency response and led to the precautionary evacuation of residents from a neighbouring property.
Emergency Response to Francis Road Blaze
Fire crews were called to the scene at approximately 11.23am on Sunday, February 1, after receiving reports of smoke emanating from a residential building. The initial response involved four fire crews and an aerial platform to tackle the blaze, which affected the upper floors and roof space of a three-storey semi-detached house.
Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, conducted thorough searches of the property and worked diligently to bring the fire under control. They utilised hose reel jets and a main jet to extinguish the flames, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.
Precautionary Measures and Arrest
As a safety measure, a neighbouring property was inspected, and residents were evacuated to prevent any potential harm. Fortunately, all individuals were accounted for, and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
West Midlands Police were called to the scene at around 1pm on the same day. Following initial enquiries, officers arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire. The police spokesperson emphasised that, thankfully, no one was injured during the event.
Aftermath and Scene Management
To mitigate further risks, gas and electricity supplies to both affected properties were isolated by emergency services. Once the fire was extinguished and the area secured, the scene was handed over to West Midlands Police for further investigation.
This incident highlights the swift and coordinated efforts of emergency services in Birmingham to manage potentially dangerous situations and protect local communities from harm.
