West Midlands Fire Service dealt with a series of blazes across the region on August 13, with dry conditions and heat contributing to an intense few hours for emergency services. In total, 11 fires were reported since the afternoon, prompting warnings for residents to close windows, stay away, and remain indoors.
Injuries were reported in multiple incidents, most notably in Stourbridge where 10 people were injured, including a child and firefighters. The fires affected areas from Stourbridge to Tamworth, with evacuations, road closures, and power outages reported.
Stourbridge and Oldbury blazes cause injuries and evacuations
A fire broke out near a car garage on Norton Road, Stourbridge, with huge flames seen near homes and dozens of firefighters dispatched. It later emerged that 10 people were injured, including a child and firefighters.
In Oldbury, residents were asked to leave homes in several roads after a fire at the former Brandhall Golf Course, the second golf course fire in as many days. Police, fire, and ambulance crews were seen at the scene, with homes near the course believed to be at risk. The fire is believed to have taken hold in the northern part of the golf course site.
Castle Vale and Druids Heath fires spread to properties
A blaze in Castle Vale engulfed two bungalows on Tangmere Drive, starting in one property before spreading to the neighbouring one. Two people were injured. Black smoke billowed into the sky as flames took hold.
Firefighters were called to The Dell in Druids Heath, where emergency services advised residents to keep windows and doors firmly closed to avoid smoke inhalation. People were also asked to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency vehicles clear access.
Other fires across the region and major incident declared
West Midlands Fire Service was called out to Hillmeads Road in Kings Norton, and a large fire broke out at Daisy Farm Park in Highters Heath, with video showing fires spreading to multiple neighbouring properties.
In Willenhall, a fire on Stonehouse Avenue prompted Walsall Council to issue a statement: "Emergency services are responding to a fire on Stonehouse Avenue. Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed if you're nearby due to smoke. Residents are being supported on scene."
A fire was reported on Lyndon Playing Fields in Solihull, leading to Gilbertstone Avenue being blocked off. In Pershore, Worcestershire, residents had to evacuate after homes were damaged by fire, leaving 200 properties without power and one person suffering smoke inhalation.
In Tamworth, a blaze "double the size" of a two-storey house tore through at least six gardens, centred around Price Avenue, obliterating sheds in the scorching 36C heat. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident at 5pm on August 13 due to a large fire in Salford Priors.
