Nearly 100 homes were evacuated on Thursday evening (August 13) as a second fire in as many days hit the former Brandhall golf course in Oldbury, with two homes in a nearby street destroyed by the blaze. The community has been praised for its response, with a local councillor describing the scene as “community spirit at its absolute best.”
Community Spirit Shines During Evacuation
Tuli Zefi, Reform councillor for Langley, was present during the evacuation and took to Facebook to highlight how neighbours rallied together. “Neighbours helping neighbours, people checking on others, sharing information about who lived where, helping us identify properties that needed checking and doing everything they could to make sure nobody was left behind,” he wrote.
Speaking the day after the fire, Cllr Zefi said it was “unbelievable” to see so many people helping each other during such difficult circumstances. “We had neighbours that don’t talk to each other who were out helping and making sure that everybody was out and everybody was safe,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like it in my lifetime living in that neighbourhood. Everyone came together.”
Police Step Up Amid Strained Fire Service
Cllr Zefi also praised police officers for stepping up while fire service colleagues dealt with a huge blaze in Stourbridge. Between 30 and 40 officers helped residents evacuate their homes as the fires raged. “With the fire service already extremely busy dealing with a major fire in Stourbridge, there was understandably a delay in getting resources to us,” he said. “In the meantime, our police officers stepped up. They worked incredibly hard to support residents, evacuate people from their homes and make sure everyone was moved to a safe location. Their professionalism and commitment deserve real recognition.”
Residents Return Home, No Casualties
A spokesperson for Sandwell Council confirmed that the vast majority of evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes last night. “Thankfully there were no casualties,” the spokesperson said. “We would like to thank the emergency services and council staff who responded and provided support to residents, and also Our Lady & St Hubert’s RC Church which kindly opened its doors to provide a place of safety and support for those affected.”
The fires come amid a major incident declared across the West Midlands, with 11 fires reported on what was described as the “hottest day” of the year. The cause of the fires at the former golf course has not yet been confirmed, and investigations are ongoing.
