AN OUT-OF-CONTROL garden fire spread to five homes in Oldbury.

The fire, in Baldwin Close, spread to homes just after 3.30pm yesterday (Monday April 26).

Firefighting crews from Oldbury, Ladywood, Smethwick, Tipton and West Bromwich rushed to the scene after reports of the fire involving five properties on a terrace.

Five appliances and 18 firefighters were seen fighting the fire, with a hydraulic platform from Highgate Fire Station also in use to tackle the blaze from above.

The fire service said no-one was injured but had urged motorists to keep clear of roads in the area and around Albion Street.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "We were called at 3.42pm to Baldwin Close to reports of a fire involving five terraced properties.

"We sent five appliances from Ladywood, Oldbury, Smethwick, Tipton and West Bromwich to the scene and a hydraulic platform from Highgate.

"Eighteen firefighters dealt with the incident.

"An out-of-control garden fire is believed to have ignited the fire."