McDonald's blaze closes city road

Aug 13 2007 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

A BUSY Birmingham road was closed after fire fighters battled a blaze at a restaurant.

Fire fighters fought tirelessly to tackle the flames at the McDonald's restaurant, in Newtown Row, Birmingham today.

Crews were called to the incident just after 4am and Newtown Row (A34) leading out of the city was closed while they worked.

West Midlands divisional officer Bob Deaks said: "There were six pumping appliances, 35 fire fighters with a hydraulic platform who are working on a severe fire at the McDonald's restaurant just in front of the shopping precinct in Newtown Row.

"The fire has affected most of the ground floor, destroyed the roof and the service area at the back of McDonald's

"A Fire Investigation Team are in attendance investigating the cause of the fire."

Crews from Aston, Perry Barr, Highgate, Ladywood, Handsworth and Smethwick went to the incident.

A hydraulic platform from Ward End fire station was also in use on site.

A fire service spokeswoman said the electricity supply and gas supplies at the restaurant had been isolated.

To see a video of the incident, click below: