Smoke from multiple grass fires could be seen from the M5 on Wednesday evening as temperatures reached the high 20s Celsius, prompting a significant response from fire crews across the Black Country. Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Services are tackling blazes in Dudley, Oldbury, and Walsall, with road closures and bus diversions in place.
Large Grass Fire in Dudley's Himley Hall Area
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) confirmed crews were at the scene of a large grass fire near Himley Hall and Himley Lane in Dudley. In a social media post, WMFS thanked residents for their 999 calls and stated: "Thank you to everyone who's called us on 999 to report a large grass fire in the Himley Hall/Himley Lane area. We have crews at the scene." The fire is one of several breaking out as dry conditions and high temperatures increase the fire risk.
Portway Hill Fire Attracts 30 Firefighters
A separate blaze at Portway Hill in Oldbury drew a major emergency response. According to the BBC, 30 firefighters were deployed to the site, which is part of the Rowley Hills managed by the Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust. The fire sent plumes of smoke visible for miles, causing concern among local residents and motorists traveling along the A4123 Wolverhampton Road.
The A4123 Wolverhampton Road was closed in both directions between Tower Road and Portway Road, leading to severe traffic disruption. However, the road has since reopened as crews brought the fire under control. During the closure, National Express West Midlands bus route 126, which serves Wolverhampton Road and Portway Road, was diverted in both directions. The diversion routed buses via City Road, Left Portway Hill, Thrown Road, and Birchfield Lane.
Grass Fire Near Reedswood Shopping Centre in Walsall
Adding to the evening's incidents, a grass field adjacent to Reedswood Shopping Centre in Walsall also caught alight. Crews from West Midlands Fire Service attended the scene to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties or the shopping centre itself. The cause of that fire is under investigation.
Dry Conditions Fuel Fire Risk
The spate of grass fires coincides with unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures in the high 20s Celsius across the West Midlands. Fire services have issued warnings about the heightened risk of wildfires during dry periods, urging the public to avoid barbecues in open spaces and to dispose of cigarettes responsibly. The blackened patches of land at the affected sites highlight the speed at which grass fires can spread in such conditions.
Fire crews remained on scene at several locations late into the evening to damp down hotspots and ensure no reignition occurs. Motorists are advised to check for any residual delays on local roads, and residents are reminded to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately via 999.
