A charity fundraiser has been launched to support families in the West Midlands left homeless after a series of devastating fires swept across the region on the hottest day of the year so far.
The emergency appeal, set up by the Heart of England Community Foundation on GoFundMe, has already raised more than £50,000. It aims to concentrate fundraising efforts for families affected by the blazes, which broke out on Thursday, August 13, injuring dozens of people.
Fires across the region
Firefighters battled large infernos in Stourbridge, Highter's Heath, Oldbury, Castle Vale and Kings Norton, among other areas. Many families watched their homes burn down and were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Andrew Reynolds, speaking to BirminghamLive in Highter's Heath, where a row of six homes was destroyed, said his mum had "lost everything". He watched his childhood home of 30 years go up in flames, powerless to stop it.
"Everything’s gone," he said. "It’s all gone. My mum’s lost everything."
Emergency appeal launched
The Heart of England Community Foundation said: "Homes have been destroyed, families have been forced to evacuate, and entire neighbourhoods have been left reeling from the impact."
"We're launching this emergency appeal to ensure those impacted do not face that recovery alone. Every pound donated to this appeal will go towards supporting families and individuals affected by these devastating fires."
The charity said funds would help provide emergency living expenses, essential household items and clothing, support to replace belongings lost in the fires, practical assistance as families begin to rebuild their lives, and grants to address immediate and longer-term recovery needs.
"Together, we can help them take the first steps towards recovery," the charity added.
How to donate
The fundraiser, which can be accessed via a link on the GoFundMe page, has raised more than £50,000 so far. Donations will be distributed to families in need across the affected areas.
