Emergency services were dispatched to the 32-storey tower block this morning (01/07), to reports of a fire on the 22nd floor.
Five fire engines and around 20 firefighters were sent to the scene – the first crew arrived in 4 minutes and 28 seconds.
On arrival, they discovered a sofa that had been set on fire near to the bin chute in the lobby of the 22nd floor. The fire has caused substantial damage to the area.
It is thought that around 750 people live in the tower block, but that no-one was injured.
West Midlands police are investigating the incident, along with West Midlands Fire Service as suspected arson.
Area Commander Ben Brook, of West Midlands Fire Service, said: “Following the Grenfell Tower fire in London last month, today’s incident was understandably shocking for everyone concerned. I can confirm that there was no cladding on the structure.
Some 30 to 40 people decided to leave the building, although this was from areas not affected by fire or smoke.
The building’s design, which includes compartmentalisation of individual flats, performed as expected.
Damage caused by the fire was confined to the lobby area, although smoke affected the building from the 15th floor to the top of the building.
We are working closely with West Midlands Police and liaising with Birmingham City Council which owns the building.
Our firefighters will be carrying our Safe and Well checks for residents of Cleveland Tower and providing reassurance.”
Please call WMP on 101 if you have ANY information.
