Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Sunday 16th March 2025, at 11:00hrs
A terrifying blaze ripped through a two-storey flat above a row of shops on the Yew Tree estate in Walsall late Saturday night, leaving a child in critical condition and nine others rescued.
The inferno, which erupted around 10:20 PM on March 15th, prompted a massive response from West Midlands Fire Service, with nine fire engines and a specialist drone team battling the flames.
The fire, which originated in the ground floor hallway entrance to the flat, quickly spread upwards, trapping residents inside.
Firefighters, braving intense heat and smoke, entered the building, rescuing nine people.
Five of those rescued, including the critically injured child, were rushed to hospital by West Midlands Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation and injuries.
“This was a significant fire in a block of flats above a shop,” stated Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill.
“On their arrival my firefighters worked extremely hard in really challenging conditions and rescued 4 people from the block via a ladder.
Two of these were in critical condition, including a child. Firefighters also assisted a further 4 people from the block. In total WMFS and WMAS treated 10 people for smoke inhalation and they were then taken to hospital.”
The sheer scale of the incident required a multi-agency response, with West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Red Cross, and utility companies all attending the scene.
Nineteen firefighters wearing breathing apparatus battled the blaze, which was eventually brought under control.
Crews remained on site throughout the night, damping down hotspots and ensuring the area was safe.
“Every day they are willing to put their lives at risk to protect the people of the West Midlands, and this tragic incident is one example of this,” added CFO Tuhill.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the incident and all those affected.”
Specialist fire investigators are now working alongside police to determine the cause of the devastating fire.
The investigation continues, and residents are left reeling from the harrowing events of the night.
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