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Huge fire at old college site shuts nearby school

Shannen HeadleyWest Midlands
People have been asked to close their windows and doors

A school close to the scene of a huge fire which broke out overnight has been forced to shut.

The fire, which broke out at the site of a former college was still alight and giving off heavy smoke on Tuesday morning, a fire service said. Dozens of firefighters spent the night tackling the blaze at the disused Hunters Hill College in Blackwell, near Bromsgrove in Worcestershire.

Twelve crews were sent to the scene, the fire service said.

Blackwell First School on St. Catherines Road has been closed due to advice from the fire service that the air quality is poor. Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid the area. No-one was injured, the service added.

News imageA building on fire, seen between the gaps of trees in the distance
The former college closed in 2021

Two crews remained on site on Tuesday and the service said dampening down will continue for the rest of the day.

News imageA building on fire, seen between the gaps of trees in the distance
The building caught fire on Monday evening, said the fire service

West Midlands and Warwickshire fire services were called in to help out.

The college, which had operated as a community special school, closed in August 2021.

News imageA firefighter at the scene of a fire. Orange sky with flames can be seen in the distance
Large plumes of black smoke and flames could be seen from a distance

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