A SEVERE fire in a two-storey office and warehouse building on the Cross Point Business park in Walsgrave was most likely started deliberately, according to initial investigations.
More than 70 firefighters tackled the blaze last night (March 5), with one fire engine and crew now remaining at the scene.
Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control (SWMFC) received multiple 999 calls reporting the blaze at around 5.43pm. The first of the crews arrived at Olivier Way five minutes after being mobilised.
Images sent to SWMFC by members of the public meant they were able to quickly respond to the fire.
Several fire engines and other vehicles including a hydraulic aerial platform were at the scene by 7.55pm.
The road was closed for safety as crews tackled the blaze and people living or working nearby were being asked to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution, although this advice is no longer in place.
One of our drones is relaying imagery to officers and crews on the ground in #Coventry, to support operational decision-making.
Details on our website: https://t.co/5LBdDOVjoz pic.twitter.com/1NxjMJggPN
— West Midlands Fire Service (@WestMidsFire) March 5, 2023
This video – shared on social media – shows drone footage from West Midlands Fire Service’s ‘eye in the sky’. The images are being beamed back to firefighters and police officers on the ground.
Motorists have been asked to avoid the immediate area. Fire crews and West Midlands Police have been ensuring people leaving a nearby cinema by car can do so safely.
Five fire engines and 25 firefighters remained at the scene through the night damping down remaining hotspots.
