Families in Stourbridge have been evacuated from their homes as more than 100 firefighters battle a major wildfire in the area. The blaze has prompted West Midlands Fire Service to declare it is facing "extreme levels of demand" and has set up Stourbridge town hall as an emergency refuge for displaced residents.
Blaze forces evacuations and emergency refuge
The scale of the fire has led to families being taken to the town hall, which has been established as an emergency refuge. The fire service has released drone footage showing a heat map of flames threatening to consume properties as thick smoke spreads across the town.
West Midlands Fire Service issued a statement on social media, saying: "We are currently facing extreme levels of demand as a service, and need your immediate help. Wherever you are in the West Midlands, please do whatever you can to stay safe and minimise the risk of outdoor fires."
Fire service urges residents to stay indoors
The service is advising households across the West Midlands to remain inside due to the ongoing fire risk. It also warned drivers to take extra care, avoid areas of dense smoke, and not to travel to watch the fires.
"If you are directly affected by an ongoing fire, please DO NOT risk tackling it yourself. Get to a safe place and call 999. We will do our very best to get help to you as soon as we can," the statement added.
Major incident declared elsewhere in region
Separately, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they are attending a "large fire" in Salford Priors, Stratford-on-Avon. Officers, firefighters and paramedics are at the scene of the wildfire, which has been declared a major incident. Nearby residents have been urged to shut all doors and windows.
The Stourbridge fire is one of many across the West Midlands that have pushed the fire service to its limits. The emergency refuge at the town hall remains open for those affected.
