Firefighters Tackle Major Fires in Birmingham and Woolwich
Firefighters from multiple stations handle significant blazes at a papermill in Birmingham and a flat in Woolwich, showcasing their coordinated response to emergencies.
Firefighters Contend with Major Fires in Birmingham and Woolwich
Birmingham, June 28, 2024 – Nearly 30 firefighters from five fire stations tackled a significant fire at the Smurfit Kappa papermill in Nechells, Birmingham, on Friday morning. The blaze, which ignited around 7 a.m., involved approximately 400 tonnes of cardboard bales. Crews from Aston, Ward End, Erdington, Highgate, and Hay Mills fire stations were dispatched, supported by a hydraulic aerial platform to battle the fire from above. A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson reported that progress was being made as on-site machinery helped crews manage hotspots. People in the vicinity have been advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the smoke.
Woolwich, June 28, 2024 – A separate incident in North Woolwich on Thursday night saw five people hospitalized following a fire in a 10th-floor flat on Rymill Street. Firefighters responded to the scene around 10:30 p.m., evacuating about 100 residents. Local witnesses described the rapid response and the subsequent containment of the fire. London Fire Brigade (LFB) deployed ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters to tackle the blaze. The fire damaged most of the three-room flat. The cause is currently under investigation.
These two significant fires highlight the swift response and coordination efforts of the respective fire services in managing potentially catastrophic incidents.