A Birmingham restaurant has suffered two fires in just 11 days, as investigators probe whether the latest incident in the early hours of this morning was also an arson attack. Up to 25 firefighters were called to the scene of the incident at Tabu Bar & Restaurant in the Jewellery Quarter today, Monday 29 July.
West Midlands Fire Service said it had sent five engines to Newhall Place, Newhall Hill, shortly before 2am. The fire was contained to a basement and no one was rescued or injured. The fire has been extinguished, but fire investigators are examining the scene today to determine the cause of the fire.
This comes after the restaurant guests, who serve pAsian cuisine and cocktails, Firefighters told BirminghamLive that a man set fire to bottles filled with petrol at the same location shortly after 7.30pm on Thursday, July 18. Firefighters said the blaze, which was out when they arrived, was believed to have been started “deliberately”.
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A West Midlands Police spokeswoman told BirminghamLive: “We are investigating a fire which occurred in Newhall Place, Newhall Hill, in the early hours of this morning. Fire investigators are carrying out an inspection of the building today.”
Speaking to X, West Midlands Fire Service posted in the early hours of the day: “We currently have around 25 firefighters from @WMFSLadywood @WMFSHighgate @WMFSAston and @WMFSHandsworth attending a fire on Newhall Hill in Hockley, Birmingham. The fire has now been extinguished but crews remain on scene. Please avoid the area.”
In an update, a fire brigade spokesperson told BirminghamLive: “We were called at 01:53 today. Two crews were initially dispatched and three more crews attended. The fire was contained to the basement of a mixed commercial and residential building.
“Eight firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used two hoses to extinguish the flames. The crews checked for hot spots. We left the scene at 4am. Fire specialists will be on site to establish the cause.”
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