A WOMAN was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation after a major fire at a building in Wordsley.

Emergency services were called to Schusters House on the former Ridge Hill hospital site in Brierley Hill Road at 8.18pm on October 29.

A total of 11 fire crews from across the Black Country plus a hydraulic platform were sent to tackle the blaze which was described as severe.

Around half the single storey building suffered damage including a partial roof collapse.

The building is believed to be used by rough sleepers but West Midlands Fire Service confirmed they were satisfied all persons were accounted for.

West Midlands Ambulance Service set one ambulance and a paramedic officer to the incident.

A female in her 20s was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene and taken to Russells Hall Hospital for further assessment.

Fire crews stayed at the scene for around 12 hours and structural engineers were due to examine the site.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson added officers have launched an investigation into suspected arson in relation to the incident.


Anyone with information should contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.