Fifteen homes were evacuated in Brownhills, Walsall, after a large wildfire was deliberately started on August 11. West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) responded to the blaze, which initially affected an area measuring 200 metres by 200 metres—approximately five-and-a-half football pitches—across Lindon Drive, Clayhanger Common, Chandlers Keep, and Clayhanger Lane.
Evacuations and Fire Progress
West Midlands Police planned to evacuate a further 60 properties, but procedures were halted at 5.30pm as firefighters made good progress. Residents living in nearby Brownsdale Road were evacuated due to heavy smoke but were given the all-clear to return home later in the evening. No casualties were reported.
WMFS was called to the scene shortly before 3.30pm. Fire investigators later determined the blaze was started deliberately. Smoke was sent billowing into the air due to "swirling winds." The fire was one of several grass fires that erupted across the West Midlands amid an ongoing dry spell.
Fire Extinguished and Impact
In a follow-up update, WMFS confirmed the fire was out by 10.31pm, adding that it ultimately burned approximately 50 per cent of a 71-acre field—equivalent to roughly 20 football pitches. Seven brigade response vehicles and two fire engines attended the scene, bringing an estimated 31 firefighters to the incident.
Crews used hose reels, a portable pump drawing water from a nearby canal, and onboard tank supplies to extinguish the flames. A WMFS spokesperson said: "Our fire investigation team have determined that the fire was started deliberately."
Ongoing Safety Checks
Crews were scheduled to revisit the scene earlier today to carry out further safety checks. The incident highlights the heightened risk of wildfires during dry conditions, and residents are advised to remain vigilant.
