Firefighters are battling a significant blaze at a derelict building in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter this afternoon.
Emergency Response to Barr Street Blaze
The fire service was alerted to the incident on Barr Street shortly before 1:15pm on Thursday, 18 December 2025. The fire took hold in a vacant three-storey office building, with flames quickly spreading through the structure. A substantial emergency response was immediately mobilised to the scene.
Road Closures and Public Warning
As crews work to bring the situation under control, a section of Great Hampton Street has been closed to traffic. West Midlands Fire Service has issued a clear warning, urging members of the public to avoid the area entirely to allow emergency vehicles unimpeded access and to ensure public safety.
Scale of the Firefighting Operation
The scale of the response underscores the severity of the incident. Six fire engines, a brigade response vehicle, and a hydraulic aerial platform are currently in attendance. Firefighters have been drafted in from multiple stations across the region, including Ladywood, Aston, Handsworth, Perry Barr, Ward End, Smethwick and Oldbury.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that additional resources, including a further hydraulic aerial platform, are being sent to the scene to assist the ongoing operation. Crews are working diligently to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties in the densely built-up area.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and investigations will begin once the blaze is fully extinguished. There are no immediate reports of any injuries. This remains a developing story.
