Firefighters are battling a major blaze in Stourbridge that has forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes. The fire has so far affected six properties and an estimated 40 acres of land, including a woodland area, according to West Midlands Fire Service.
Two casualties have been treated for the effects of heat and smoke that have engulfed the area around Ounty John Lane, Racecourse Lane and Stourbridge Road. The fire service has issued an urgent plea for residents to 'do whatever they can to stay safe' amid extreme demand across the region.
Evacuations and rest centre
Stourbridge Town Hall has been opened as a rest centre to provide a base for people who have left their homes because of the blaze. Transport is also being arranged for those who cannot make their own way to the centre, the fire service confirmed.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: "The fire is affecting a number of locations around Ounty John Lane, Racecourse Lane and Stourbridge Road." Drone images released by the service show the scale of the fire in the Pedmore area of Stourbridge.
Extreme demand and safety plea
In a statement, West Midlands Fire Service said: "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."
They added: "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. If you must drive, take extra care, avoid areas of dense smoke, and please don't head to areas where fires are taking place to watch."
Emergency response and road closures
Earlier, the fire service reported that around 60 firefighters were tackling the extensive grass fire near Stourbridge golf course. Flames were spreading across roads in places, and police were assisting with traffic management. The service advised residents to keep doors and windows closed if smoke was affecting their homes or workplaces.
West Midlands Ambulance Service also attended the incident on Norton Road, Stourbridge. A spokesperson said: "Our crews are currently in attendance at a fire on Norton Road, Stourbridge, alongside colleagues from West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service. Please avoid the area where possible and allow emergency services to respond safely and effectively."
There have been no reported casualties so far, but the fire service said it would provide further updates as the situation develops. The blaze is one of several across the West Midlands tonight, with other incidents reported in Castle Vale, Kings Norton, Tamworth and Solihull, leading to the closure of the M6.
