Fire crews were called to a blaze at a Birmingham sports club which spread to neighbouring gardens and was believed to have been started deliberately. It happened at Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club in Walmley Road shortly after midnight today, Wednesday, July 2. A witness reported seeing a large group of boys and girls aged ’12 to 13’ piling up wood and branches and setting them alight. READ MORE: Driver seriously injured in two-car crash in city suburb Videos posted online showed an orange inferno ripping through trees and gardens next to the club's pitches., with smoke billowing into the sky. Given the hot weather the tinderbox state of the ground led to the fire spreading rapidly to neighbouring gardens ‘destroying sheds and gardens’ belonging to houses. Gas cylinders believed to be used for barbecues were said to have exploded, putting firefighters and residents at ‘massive risk’. The witness said: “Given the time, it is extremely fortunate someone woke up and called the emergency services. “Otherwise this could have quickly become a tragedy.” The witness pleaded with anyone reading the social media post to speak to any youngsters who may have returned home smelling of smoke and ask them how they would feel if their homes caught fire. Get the latest Sutton Coldfield news delivered direct to your inbox A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: “Shortly after 12.20am on Wednesday, July 2, we responded to Walmley Road, Sutton Coldfield. “Two fire engines from Sutton Coldfield and Ward End stations responded, arriving to find a row of conifers on fire at the rear of residential properties and a rugby club. “The fire, believed to have been started deliberately, spread to several fences bordering two houses and three sheds in the garden of one property. “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three hose reels to extinguish the fire. There were no casualties or injuries. “After leaving the scene at around 2.30am, a crew returned to the premises shortly after 7am to check for hotspots but none were discovered.” West Midlands Police officers were said to have been at the rugby club on Wednesday but the force said it had no record of the incident. The rugby club has also been contacted for a comment but has yet to respond.