75 firefighters involved in rescue operation after blaze in Coventry high rise tower block - The Coventry Observer

75 firefighters involved in rescue operation after blaze in Coventry high rise tower block

Coventry Editorial 17th Apr, 2022 Updated: 17th Apr, 2022   0

NINETEEN residents have been evacuated from a high rise tower block in Coventry which caught fire yesterday.

The blaze broke out on the 15th floor of the Nauls Mill House block on Middleborough Road, Coundon, around 8.45pm.

A total of 17 response vehicles attended including 13 fire engines and hydraulic aerial platform from Coventry, Birmingham and Solihull. A total of 75 firefighters were involved in battling the blaze and the rescue operation.

Drones were also used so crews could get a better view of the fire and to help with decision-making.




Five adults, a child and an infant were asked to wear fire escape hoods before being led to safety by firefighters in breathing apparatus.

A further five adults and a child self-evacuated from the building.


The cause of the fire has yet to be established.

Nineteen residents have been displaced as a result of the incident and Coventry City Council has opened the library for welfare purposes.

Group Commander Marc Hudson, the incident commander, said: “This was a severe fire in a flat on the 15th floor which spread to the balcony of the flat above.

“Our first crews arrived within two minutes of being mobilised. They were met with a very challenging incident. It was extremely hot and visibility was poor.

“We used specialist equipment which allowed us to fight the fire with water from the floor below. It was extremely effective in extinguishing the fire and helped to make conditions more manageable for our crews.

“Fortunately, all of the residents directly affected by the incident evacuated without injury and no-one was taken to hospital.

“All the agencies who responded worked well together. These included the ambulance service’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) who supported us in the risk area.

“Alternative accommodation is being found for those residents who have been displaced.

“The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, and our investigators will be starting their examination of the scene in daylight hours.”

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