After an “arson attack” on Tower Block’s 10th Floor, 100 people were evacuated by rescuers.

  • Fire broke out today at 5.40pm. Rescuers saved eight people, and evacuated 100. 
  • Eight fire engines raced to James House in Newton, Birmingham.
  • According to police, they are investigating whether the fire was arson. 
  • Numerous residents including children were admitted to the hospital.










Eight people were saved by rescuers after an arson attack was committed on the 10th storey of a Birmingham tower block.    

The fire engine crews rushed to James House in Newtown, which is a highrise of 13 stories.

According to the fire department, people were seen shouting from balconies for help as flames from a pushchair set on fire spread to a staircasewell around 5.40pm this morning. 

The precautionary measure of having smoke inhalation tested on 14 people, which included children, was taken to a hospital.

Evacuees were transferred to temporary housing at a local community center. Fire chiefs and detectives investigated the fire tonight.

Rescuers (pictured) have saved eight people as 100 were evacuated after an alleged arson attack on the 10th floor of a tower block in Birmingham

Pictured: Eight rescuers saved 100 people after an arson attack on the tower block of Birmingham’s 10th floor.

Eight fire engines rushed to James House, a 13 storey high rise in the Newtown area of the city

Fire engines from eight fire departments raced to James House in Newtown, which is a highrise of 13 stories.

The West Midlands Police stated in a statement that they were working closely with their colleagues to determine the source of the fire in a Birmingham Tower Block this evening.

We were alerted at 5.40pm by James House residents.

It’s believed the fire began in a communal space or stairwell at the 10th level. It quickly went out and it didn’t spread further to any other flats.

“We are on the ground alongside other emergency services. Work has begun alongside fire investigators to find out how the fire began.” 

More than 45 firefighters attended the tower block, with some staying at the scene for several hours after the flames were brought under control

Over 45 firefighters responded to the call, some remaining on the spot for hours following the extinction of the flames.

Fourteen residents, including children, were taken to hospital to be checked over for smoke inhalation as a precaution

As a precaution, 14 residents were brought to the hospital, with children included, to have their smoke inhalation checked.

West Midlands Fire Service posted on Twitter this evening: “The fire at James House Newtown has been extinguished quickly by our crews, however, some residents were seen entering the lobby areas, and they were later led to safety with our smoke hoods by our firefighters. 

“Four fire engines remain on the scene.”

There were more than 45 firefighters on scene at the tower block. Some stayed there for many hours even after the flames had been put out.

Eight fire engines rushed to James House, a 13 storey high rise in Newton, Birmingham, after reports of the blaze around 5:40pm today

After receiving reports about the fire at 5:40 this morning, eight fire engines raced to James House in Newton, Birmingham. It is a 13-storey tall building.

West Midlands Police said in a statement: 'We're working with colleagues to understand the cause of a fire that broke out in a Birmingham tower block this evening'

The West Midlands Police stated in a statement that they were working closely with their colleagues to determine the source of the fire in Birmingham Tower Block this evening.

Advertisement