A fire drone shows hot spots in the fire on Sunday. Photo: West Midlands Fire Department
The fire hit the International Conference & Banqueting Center on Sunday, around 70 firefighters were called in to fight the flames.
It took about eight hours to control the flames, with firefighters using a drone’s thermal imaging camera to locate the main source of the fire.
And although the fire is now considered to have been extinguished, four crews should remain on site on Monday to look for signs of hotspots.
Firefighters investigate the building on Fox’s Lane. Photo: SnapperSKFire crews stayed on site on Monday
An investigation has shown that the fire was probably accidentally started, said the West Midlands Fire Department.
The call came in at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Clouds of smoke rose from the conference center on Fox’s Lane near the A449 Stafford Road. Nobody was injured.
A number of fire engines were seen in the street as crews battled the fire at the site that was voted West Midlands Wedding Venue of the Year last year.
The conference center is located between a canal and a railway line. Photo: West Midlands Fire Service On Sunday smoke from the International Conference & Banqueting Center (ICB) was rising into the sky. Photo: West Midlands Fire Department
A spokesman for the West Midlands Fire Service said: “The first responders arrived on site within 5 minutes. A total of 10 fire engines with supporting vehicles and officers were present.
“Our drone team was also present and thanks to the drone’s thermal imaging function, we were able to quickly identify the main location of the fire so that our crews could better localize, reach and fight the fire.
“The fire was under control at 6pm. Several crews remain on site until Monday morning, monitor the building with thermal imaging cameras and ensure the safety of the construction site. Four crews will remain on site for much of the day.
“It is believed that the fire is an accident involving everyone.”
Specialized technical rescue workers cut into the side of the building to gain access on Sunday when firefighters urged people to avoid the area if possible.
Meanwhile, thermal imagery showed that the hottest part of the fire appeared to be in a part of the building next to the canal.
Ten fire departments were deployed on Sunday. Photo by SnapperSK Firefighters at the crime scene in Wolverhampton. Photo: SnapperSK
A West Midlands Ambulance Service vehicle was also present, but all were considered.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We were called to a fire on Fox’s Lane in Wolverhampton at 11:21 am on Sunday.
“We sent two paramedics and our hazard zone response team to the scene. However, there were no patients in need of treatment.”
The Express & Star was unable to reach the conference center for comment.
