Birmingham’s iconic Crown pub came within five feet of being engulfed by a blaze that erupted on the pavement outside the historic venue, according to campaigners.
Firefighters Respond to Station Street Incident
Fire crews were called to Station Street shortly before 8:35 PM on Tuesday, June 9, after reports of a fire. Upon arrival, they discovered a small waste bin alight on the pavement directly outside the Crown pub—the birthplace of Black Sabbath and a landmark that has remained closed since 2014.
Video footage captured anxious onlookers watching from nearby as firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish the flames. West Midlands Fire Service confirmed there were no casualties or injuries.
A fire service spokesperson said: “A 4x4 brigade response vehicle from Aston attended. It arrived to find a small waste bin alight on the pavement. Firefighters extinguished the fire using a hose reel and damped down the area. We left the scene at 9:25 PM.”
Campaigners Sound Alarm
Following the incident, the campaign group ‘Save Station Street’ took to social media to express their concerns. “The birthplace of Black Sabbath, heavy metal and Birmingham’s spiritual home of music, was five feet from disaster,” they wrote on X. “The longer Station Street regeneration is delayed, the more likely either The Electric or The Crown will be lost.”
The Crown pub holds legendary status in Birmingham’s music history, having hosted Black Sabbath’s first-ever gig. Its closure over a decade ago has been a source of frustration for heritage campaigners, who fear that ongoing delays in the area’s regeneration could lead to further deterioration or even loss of the historic building.
Fire crews remained on the scene until 9:25 PM, ensuring the area was safe before departing. The incident has reignited calls for urgent action to preserve the cultural landmarks on Station Street.
