The beginning of the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham was delayed by 90 minutes after the Utilita Area was evacuated on Saturday morning.
West Midlands Fireplace Service stated crews had been referred to as out after a cooker caught fireplace in a close-by flat.
Olympic bronze medallist and commentator Katharine Merry posted on X:, exterior “Not made it into the Utilita Area but. It has been absolutely evacuated as a consequence of a fireplace. Fireplace brigade right here and smoke coming from the highest flooring.”
UK Athletics stated on social media that spectators “would expertise a delay” to the opening of the venue.
The 2-day championships are being proven reside on the BBC.
Olympic stars Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Georgia Hunter Bell are amongst these competing for British titles in Birmingham this weekend.
Johnson-Thompson, who ended her watch for an Olympic medal with heptathlon silver at Paris 2024, will take part within the 60m hurdles and shot put occasions.
Olympic bronze medallist Hunter Bell will search to defend her British indoor 1500m title.