Around 60 firefighters are battling a large grass fire near Stourbridge Golf Course in the Black Country on Thursday afternoon. West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has urged the public to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed as smoke spreads across roads and residential areas.
Firefighters Tackle Extensive Grass Fire
WMFS said in a statement: "Around 60 firefighters are tackling an extensive grass fire near Stourbridge golf course." The flames are spreading across roads in places, prompting police to manage traffic in the vicinity. The service added: "Please avoid the area."
Police are assisting with traffic management, and WMFS advised: "If smoke is affecting your home or workplace, keep doors and windows closed as a precaution." There are currently no reported casualties, and further updates will be provided when available.
Evacuations and Local Impact
Some homes have been reportedly evacuated as a precaution. BBC reporter Ian Murphy, who lives in nearby Wollaston, said he could smell smoke in the air several miles away. "The inside of the house smells so strongly that I went to check in the garden and upstairs in case the fire was much closer," he said.
Murphy added: "My parents live round the corner from the fire and said they first noticed it when they went to sit outside at around 13:00 BST. They can hear very loud explosions, loud cracking and there's loads of dense smoke in the air."
Other Fire Services Responding
Hereford and Worcester Fire Service also reported: "We are aware of reports of two fires in Broome, Hagley and Racecourse Lane in Stourbridge. Fire crews are responding and are currently on their way."
Members of the public have taken to social media to report smoke. One woman said: "Can see it in Stourbridge Wollescote. I pray its put out very quick, my thoughts are with people who live there xxx"
The fire service continues to monitor the situation and advises residents to stay indoors and avoid the affected areas until further notice.
