The severe blaze broke out at the former HB Sale factory on Constitution Hill in Hockley
The fire broke out at the former HB Sale factory in Constitution Hill, Hockley(Image: Harry Leach)
A huge blaze which broke out at a historic Grade ll-listed building in Birmingham ‘started accidentally’, according to fire investigators.
More than 50 firefighters battled the blaze which had broken on the fourth floor of the five-storey former HB Sale factory in Constitution Hill, Hockley, shortly before 7.30am yesterday, January 16.
Flames were seen spitting out of the iconic building as fire crews worked to bring the inferno under control.
READ MORE: More than 50 firefighters tackle blaze in historic Birmingham Grade II-liste building
One person was taken to hospital with ‘minor injuries’ after they suffered smoke inhalation, paramedics said.
The area around the building was cordoned off in all directions but the closed streets have since reopened.
West Midlands Fire Service this morning revealed the fire was started “accidentally”.
A fire service spokesperson said: “Our investigators believe this fire started accidentally.”
A view of the fire from another high rise building facing towards the junction of Constitution Hill, Summer Lane and Hampton Street (Image: Kieran Hannon)
Damping at the site was completed yesterday afternoon.
The fire service said it would continue to revisit the building overnight to make sure it was safe.
Issuing an update on Friday, a fire service spokesperson said: “Damping down has been completed.
“We expect to carry out several revisits throughout the afternoon and overnight.
“A full, thorough search of the building has been undertaken and it has been confirmed that everyone has been accounted for.
“National Grid colleagues have also been in attendance, working to isolate a nearby substation.”
“This incident will be scaled down to three fire engines shortly.”