Crews rescue man from 'severe fire' in Walsall
Firefighters have now launched an investigation to establish the cause
Firefighters have rescued a man from a blaze at a terraced house in Walsall last night.
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed they were called to reports of a fire at a house in Bloxwich at around half nine last night (28 April).
It said the "severe fire" caused extensive damaged to the two-storey, mid-terraced house as well as neighbouring properties.
Several residents had got themselves to safety before crews arrived, and others were evacuated by emergency services as a precaution.
Firefighters led one man to safety from a property.
He is understood to have been assessed and discharged at the scene by the ambulance service.
A local church provided shelter, and volunteers from the Red Cross also offered support.
Ten West Midlands Fire Service crews managed to extinguish the fire by 11 pm.
In a statement, "Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used hose reels and main jets to tackle the fire, which had been extinguished by around 11pm.
"Colleagues from the police also attended, as well as the council and utility companies.
"We expect to have a presence at the scene throughout the night.
"Our investigators will be working to establish the cause.
"We would like to thank local people for their patience and understanding as we continue our work at the scene."