Two firefighters from the West Midlands were taken to hospital following a suspected deliberate fire at Millfields Pool in West Bromwich on August 9. The blaze, which broke out shortly before 1.50pm near Canterbury Road, required six fire engines and two 4x4 brigade response vehicles to tackle, with nearly 30 crew members deployed.
Heat Exposure and Medical Treatment
Three firefighters and a member of the public received medical treatment at the scene for heat exposure, according to West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS). Two of the firefighters were subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary checks, while the fire covered an area equivalent to 35 football pitches, threatening nearby homes.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill condemned those responsible, stating: "The fire was just metres from people's homes. Our crews had to act quickly in extremely challenging conditions to protect those properties and stop the flames reaching them, although gardens and fence panels were damaged."
Series of Deliberate Fires
Tuhill highlighted that this incident was part of a worrying trend during the hot, dry weather, noting: "This was the latest in a series of fires believed to have been started deliberately during this exceptionally hot and dry weather. On Monday afternoon we were dealing with a park fire in Tipton, which also appeared to have been started on purpose in several locations."
He issued a stark warning: "It has to stop now, before one of my firefighters or an innocent member of the public is seriously injured, or worse. My message to those responsible is clear: you are damaging wildlife, habitats and green spaces, and you are putting lives at risk. Anyone who deliberately starts a fire could face a criminal record and be held responsible for damage they may never have anticipated."
Exceptional Demand on Services
The chief fire officer revealed the immense pressure on the service, with figures for the week to Friday 7 August showing Fire Control handled 4,649 calls, compared with 1,814 in the same period last year. Crews responded to 1,058 incidents, including 389 outdoor fires.
"Large grass fires can be extremely demanding. Firefighters have been working across wide areas of uneven ground, often with limited access and challenges securing enough water, while also acting quickly where homes are at risk," Tuhill added.
Support and Recognition
Tuhill praised his team's professionalism: "I have seen first-hand the professionalism, resilience and commitment shown by our firefighters, Fire Control staff, officers, specialist teams and colleagues supporting operations behind the scenes. Their efforts have helped us maintain an effective emergency response during a sustained period of exceptional pressure."
He also expressed concern for the injured: "My thoughts are with the firefighters and the member of the public who required treatment, and we will continue to support our injured colleagues. No firefighter should be injured because of the reckless actions of someone deliberately starting a fire."
Appeal for Information
WMFS urges anyone with information about deliberate fires to contact FireStoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558. In emergencies, always dial 999.
