Mum and baby led to safety as medics treat five after huge flat blaze in Bell Green

They suffered as a result of the acrid black smoke that filled the block of flats in Riley Square



A mum and baby were among those led to safety in a huge flat blaze in Bell Green. West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed that crews led one woman to safety, using a fire escape hood, before she was given oxygen outside Alice Arnold House in Riley Square and checked over by the ambulance service.

A woman and a baby were led to safety from another flat as a result of the fire in the flat of a man, aged in his 30s, who managed to get out safely. As well as dozens of firefighters being sent to the scene, West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers and Hazardous Area Response paramedics after receiving a 999 call at 8.58pm.

A WMAS spokesman said: "On arrival we discovered five patients, all of whom were assessed for the effects of smoke inhalation and discharged at the scene." At its height, around 40 firefighters were involved in the operation to put out the fire.

Several firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze using hose reels and a main jet. They managed to stop the flames spreading but the entire block of flats was, however, damaged by fire and smoke.

Several residents in the block were given fire survival guidance over the phone by Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control. West Midlands Fire Service crews from across Coventry and neighbouring Birmingham were at the scene for around four hours.

Earlier this morning a crew returned to the scene to make checks and ensure the scene is safe.