Willenhall Chart Centre opened its doors as a refuge hub after two fires in Stonehouse Avenue and Harry Perks Street destroyed homes and forced residents to evacuate on Thursday, August 13. West Midlands Fire Service attended both incidents, with two homes believed to have been destroyed, though the cause of the fires remains unconfirmed.
Community centre becomes rest centre
The centre, located on Gomer Street, was asked to serve as a rest centre as part of the council’s emergency planning team. Treasurer Wayne Palmer explained that the centre was told to keep its building open as around 70 or more residents could be arriving due to the fires.
“They had to turn off the electricity in one street and they were evacuating. They were looking to evacuate the next street with the view of having to turn off their electricity as well,” Palmer said. “It wasn’t just a small fire that had got out of control. It had affected several properties and took down three or four bungalows.”
Community rallies to support affected families
Palmer praised the community’s response, noting that residents helped dampen areas to prevent the fire from spreading. He described the turmoil faced by affected families, many of whom lost their homes and were left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
“People have gone through a lot of turmoil. There are families who have been affected and some people have lost their homes, they don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. “Many people have offered to help. One lady offered bedding, blankets and sheets for people. People have lost such a lot of things and they’ve got nothing apart from the clothes on their back. The community do pull together.”
Palmer highlighted a poignant comment from a resident: “One person said it all: ‘not all heroes wear capes’. That just sums it all up. Whether you tried to dampen the fire, whether you offered blankets, refuge, or a cup of tea and someone to chat to. ‘Not all heroes wear capes’ captures that as a whole.”
Council and fire service response
The fires were among several incidents across the West Midlands that day, with homes also destroyed in Stourbridge, Castle Vale, Highters Heath and Druids Heath. Walsall Council deployed two forward liaison officers to the scene to assist emergency services and support residents with the rest centre. A building control officer also attended to facilitate the boarding up of a fire-damaged front door, and the council implemented road closures to free up police for other duties.
West Midlands Fire Service has been approached for a statement. The service is urging residents to take extra care during the current hot and dry conditions to help prevent further fires. Residents are encouraged to follow advice from emergency services and partner agencies and remain vigilant during the hot weather spell.
Palmer noted that Willenhall residents are always quick to help when others are in need. “I think from my perspective, if there’s an ask or a requirement, the community in Willenhall will generally put their hand in their pocket straight away. Maybe I’m biased as that’s the community I work in but there’s always somebody round the corner who can help and comes forward,” he said.
He added: “Willenhall Chart Centre is the anchor of the community and if there is a need or there’s any support that can be given over the coming days or weeks, please get in touch with the centre directly.”
