A HOUSE fire has broken out in Oldbury with people advised to avoid the area.

Firefighters were called to a semi-detached home on Defford Drive at 1.21pm today (Tuesday January 31).

West Midlands Ambulance Service and police are also at the scene and the road is closed.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We were called to reports of smoke and flames coming from the first floor of a semi-detached property on Defford Drive, Oldbury.

"Crews from Oldbury, Haden Cross, Handsworth and Smethwick attended the incident, with the first crew arriving in under four minutes.

"The incident involves a fire in the first-floor bedroom of a residential property.

"The fire has affected 100% of the first floor and 50% of the property overall.

"Crews wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the fire using a hose reel jet and covering jet.

"West Midlands Ambulance and West Midlands Police are also on the scene.

"At this time, Defford Drive is closed.

"Local residents are asked to avoid the area."