Homes on Gorleston Road, in Highters Heath, were devastated by a fire that began on August 13, with dramatic footage showing houses ablaze opposite Daisy Farm Park. Families were evacuated, and residents were told to keep windows and doors closed to avoid smoke inhalation.
Firefighters stretched as multiple blazes hit region
The fire broke out as West Midlands Fire Service faced calls from across the region, including major fires in Stourbridge, Oldbury, Solihull and Willenhall. A major incident was later introduced in Stourbridge, adding to the pressure on emergency services.
In Highters Heath, emergency services advised all residents living nearby to keep their windows and doors firmly closed to avoid smoke inhalation. People were also asked to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency vehicles clear access to the scenes.
Community shelter opened at Warstock Community Centre
Warstock Community Centre was opened to offer shelter from the fire in South Birmingham. A spokesperson said: "We are providing immediate shelter from the fires around the local areas at Warstock Community Centre. All members of the community and pets are welcome. We have basic supplies of refreshments free of charge."
The shelter provided a safe haven for those displaced by the fire, with the community centre offering basic supplies and a place to stay. The fire service's response was part of a wider effort to manage multiple incidents across the West Midlands on the same evening.
The full extent of the damage to the homes on Gorleston Road has not been disclosed, but the footage shows houses engulfed in flames. The fire service has not yet released a statement on the cause of the fire or the number of properties affected.
