A large fire at a disused college complex near Bromsgrove prompted the closure of a nearby primary school due to air quality concerns
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) received reports of a fire at the former Hunters Hill College site on Spirehouse Lane, Blackwell, on the evening of 1 June and mobilised 12 fire engines and specialist support. On arrival, crews encountered a well-developed and intense fire that was quickly spreading between buildings.
The incident drew in additional resources from neighbouring services, including West Midlands and Warwickshire, with some 60 firefighters ultimately involved in tackling what was described by witnesses as a “horrendous” blaze, as flames and smoke were visible for miles.
Firefighters worked through the night to contain the incident, deploying water carriers and defensive tactics to prevent further fire spread. By Tuesday morning, the fire remained alight, producing heavy smoke, with crews continuing dampening-down operations and addressing hotspots.
The proximity of the fire and prevailing weather conditions led to significant community safety measures. Nearby Blackwell First School on St Catherine’s Road was closed following consultation with the fire service. In a statement, the school confirmed: “Due to the large fire on Hunter’s Hill site overnight, fire crews remain on site. The smoke in the area is not yet moving due to the weather conditions.”
"For this reason, the school has liaised with fire services regarding the weather forecast and the current state of the site and have made the decision to remain closed today."
HWFRS station commander Chris White noted: “Materials and buildings contain all sorts of nasties, so that’s why we’d always say stay out of the smoke plume, keep your windows and doors shut.” Residents in the surrounding area were advised accordingly, and road access was restricted while emergency operations continued. Despite the scale of the incident, no injuries were reported, and no evacuations were required.
The Hunters Hill College site, formerly a community special school catering for students with special educational needs, has been vacant since its closure in August 2021. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with fire investigators initially unable to determine its origin due to the conditions at the scene.
As reported by the Bromsgrove Standard, the incident has also prompted renewed scrutiny of the site’s management and security. Birmingham City Councillor for Sutton Wylde Green, Alex Yip stated he was “appalled” by the fire and called for “a full public account of the circumstances that led to the flames,” questioning how the building became vulnerable to vandalism and fire.
He added: “Residents deserve transparency and accountability… How was a building of such historic, educational and community value allowed to stand empty for years before ultimately being destroyed by fire?”
Fire crews remained on site throughout Tuesday 2 June, with operations focused on ensuring the site was safe and preventing re-ignition as investigations continued.