A massive fire has engulfed a disused college building in Coventry, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the night sky and prompting emergency services to respond swiftly to the scene. The West Midlands Fire Service reported that twelve fire crews were dispatched to Henley Road shortly after 8:00 PM BST on April 29, 2025, to tackle the blaze at the former Henley College building.
Residents in the vicinity were immediately advised to close their doors and windows due to the smoke, which was visible from miles away. The fire service took to social media to warn locals, stating, "Please avoid the area, where possible... Please close your doors and windows if you live or work nearby and avoid the area where possible." This urgent message underscored the severity of the situation as flames tore through the structure.
Videos shared on social media depicted the dramatic scene, showing massive flames shooting from the roof of the building. One clip captured a firefighter on a ladder, battling the inferno from above as the fire continued to ravage the building. Witnesses reported seeing the fire's glow and smoke from adjacent streets, with many residents drawn to the scene despite the warnings.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, but early reports from social media suggested that it may have been deliberately set. One user on X remarked, "Someone has set former Henley College on fire apparently. Dreadful," reflecting the community's shock and concern over the incident.
The site of the fire has a storied history, having served as an educational institution since the 1960s. However, it has been disused for several years, with its last recorded educational activities taking place many years ago. In recent times, the building had been utilized for filming purposes and even hosted emergency services training exercises earlier in April 2025, just weeks before the fire.
As the fire raged, emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, were also present at the scene, ensuring public safety and managing the growing crowds of onlookers. Traffic disruptions were reported as the area became congested with vehicles and pedestrians drawn to the unfolding drama.
The timing of the blaze coincided with one of the hottest days of the year in the UK, with temperatures reaching 24.9°C in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. The Met Office had previously noted that the warm weather was expected to continue, with forecasts predicting even higher temperatures in the days following the fire. Meteorologist Craig Snell indicated that southern England and the Midlands could see temperatures soar to 27°C or 28°C, making it one of the warmest starts to May on record.
This unusual heat wave may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, as dry conditions can exacerbate fire risks. Firefighters had been at the Henley College site earlier in the month for a training exercise, but this time they faced a significant challenge as they worked to contain the blaze.
As the night progressed, the fire service continued to battle the flames, with crews working diligently to bring the situation under control. The community remained on high alert, with many residents expressing their concerns over the safety of the abandoned building and the potential dangers posed by such incidents.
Officials from the West Midlands Fire Service reiterated the importance of public safety, urging nearby residents to heed their warnings and stay away from the area until the situation was fully resolved. The fire's intensity and the volume of smoke created a hazardous environment, necessitating a coordinated response from multiple emergency services.
In the aftermath of the fire, the local community will likely seek answers regarding the cause and whether any preventive measures can be implemented to avoid similar incidents in the future. The Henley College site, once a hub of education, now stands as a stark reminder of the risks associated with abandoned properties.
The fire at Henley College has raised questions about the management of such sites, particularly in urban areas where their deterioration can lead to safety hazards. As investigations into the cause of the fire begin, the community hopes for swift action to ensure that such a devastating event does not occur again.
For now, the focus remains on extinguishing the flames and ensuring the safety of those in the area. The West Midlands Fire Service continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates to the public as they work to bring the fire under control.
