40 firefighters tackled blaze at suspected Bristol Road South cannabis factory

Up to 40 firefighters tackled a massive blaze at a suspected cannabis factory which closed a stretch of one of Birmingham’s busiest roads.

Crews from eight West Midlands Fire Service engines were called to Bristol Road, Selly Oak, just before 3am.

It was understood a fire started in a loft area at a mid-terraced three-storey building, near to the Bear & Staff pub, which spread to flats above shops.

Residents self evacuated from several surrounding properties before some were allowed to return, as the disruption spread to Bristol Road South. There were not thought to be any injuries.

The fire was brought under control using hose reel jets at 6.07am.

Road closures had been in place along Bristol Road South before it was later reopened.

Taking to social media, the fire service tweeted: “Bristol Road South now fully open. Fire believed to have been started in a suspected cannabis ‘factory’.

“Remaining two fire crews will be at scene most of the morning. We’ve been able to let some residents back into flats. Others have needed to be found alternative accommodation.”

Earlier the fire service had said its aerial ladder was in attendance as the inferno was believed to be spreading through roof space.

“Initial crews on scene within 2 minutes, with rapid,…