Five fire crews rushed to old factory on Cheapside last month
Fire crews at the scene in Cheapside, Digbeth on April 14
The cause of a huge blaze that tore through a derelict factory in Digbeth was ruled as ‘undetermined’, say fire investigators.
Investigators were unable to determine exactly how the blaze – which involved 50 tonnes of waste that had spread to the old building on Cheapside – broke out on Sunday, April 13.
They were also unable to establish if it was started deliberately or not.
READ MORE: Huge Digbeth fire as residents handed warning and five 999 crews rush to scene
Five fire crews had rushed to the scene where they found a towering pile of smouldering rubbish.
The fire service said it found 50 tonnes of rubbish alight which had spread to the old factory after it was called at around 7.06pm.
No injuries were reported.
Fire crews at the scene in Cheapside, Digbeth on April 14
Crews worked overnight to fully extinguish the blaze.
When asked for the cause of the blaze, and if there was any suspicion it had been started deliberately, fire investigators told BirminghamLive the incident had been ruled as “undetermined”.
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A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: “The cause of this fire, involving approximately 50 tonnes of waste, was undetermined.”
On the night of the blaze, the fire service warned people to avoid the area and urged local residents to keep their windows shut.
It said: “We have five appliances in attendance at Cheapside, Birmingham, where they have responded to a large fire.
“Please avoid the area where possible. If you live or work nearby, keep doors and windows closed.”
A West Midlands Fire Control spokesperson told BirminghamLive the following morning: “It was five crews but now there are two appliances.
“We had the initial call at 7.06pm on Sunday, it was 50 tonnes of rubbish that was alight.
“It is in a derelict building. There were no injuries.”