FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze on a balcony of a maisonette in Halesowen last night (Tuesday).

The fire started on a balcony of a maisonette in Islington - with 12 firefighters sent to the scene at 7.38pm.

Fire engines from Oldbury and Haden Cross attended as well as a brigade response vehicle from Oldbury.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We were called to a fire on the balcony of a second floor maisonette - there was 70 per cent smoke damage to the second floor of the property.

"Four firefighters using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets tackled the blaze."

He said they used thermal imaging cameras to ensure the fire was out and a large fan to clear the smoke.

He said the cause of the fire was not know.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called by the fire service and sent one ambulance and one paramedic officer to the scene, but there were no patients who required treatment.

He said while the crew was there a man from a nearby flat approached paramedics saying he felt unwell - he was assessed and discharged at the scene.