An investigation has been launched to establish the cause of a devastating fire in Stourbridge which left 19 homes gutted. West Midlands Police has set up a Major Incident Public Portal for people to send any information or footage that could help determine how the fire started.
The blaze broke out at Stourbridge Golf Course, in the Racecourse Lane area, at 1.30pm on Thursday (August 13). More than 100 firefighters battled for hours to contain the flames, which quickly spread through the area.
Fire affected 37 properties
Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill confirmed that the fire affected 37 properties, of which 19 were fully destroyed and a further 18 sustained damage. The incident has left a significant number of residents displaced.
Assistant Chief Constable Rich North said: "Our thoughts are with the local community and all those affected at this time. We are keeping an open mind into how the fires started and we are actively investigating."
Police appeal for information
ACC North added: "At this stage, we are supporting our fire colleagues and would ask the public not to speculate on the cause of the fires. We are continuing to work with West Midlands Fire Service and partners to support where we’re needed. We want to thank everyone for their continued support and patience."
Officers are supporting their fire colleagues in Stourbridge with road closures and community assistance. Several cordons remain in place, and together with WMFS, the public are being asked to stay away from the area.
Hottest day of the year
The fire came on what was the UK's hottest day of the year, with temperatures reaching 38.1°C. The extreme heat may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, though the official cause remains under investigation.
Residents are urged to use the Major Incident Public Portal to submit any information, photos, or videos that could assist the investigation. The portal is accessible via the West Midlands Police website.
