Nearly 20 firefighters were called to a large blaze in a field off Damson Parkway in Solihull just after 6pm on Sunday, August 16. West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that six crews attended the scene and quickly brought the incident under control. No injuries were reported, and the public was advised to avoid the area.
Fire Service Response and Warning
In a statement, West Midlands Fire Service said: "We have six crews in attendance at Damson Parkway, Solihull, where they have responded to fire in the open. Please avoid the area, where possible." The service did not provide further details on the cause of the blaze, but the incident comes amid heightened concerns about deliberate fires in green spaces.
The fire at Damson Parkway was not an isolated event. Despite a national alert sent to every mobile phone holder on Friday, authorities are still finding evidence of deliberate fires being started in parks and open spaces across the region.
Lickey Hills Discovery and Peat Fire Risk
On Sunday morning, an abandoned tent and the remains of an open fire were discovered at Lickey Hills Country Park. According to Birmingham Parks and Greenspace, the fire had ignited the park's peaty soils, creating a serious risk of a much larger wildfire and significant damage to wildlife, habitats, and public safety.
Fire crews from Bromsgrove attended the scene and managed to douse the entire area to prevent the fire from spreading. The discovery follows another fire close by on Friday night, which caused extensive damage and resulted in a number of trees needing to be removed.
Public Appeal and Ongoing Warnings
Birmingham Parks and Greenspace posted on Facebook: "Despite repeated local and national warnings, and the ban on disposable BBQs, we are still finding evidence of dangerous fire-setting in our parks and open spaces."
The post continued: "This comes after another fire close by on Friday night which caused extensive damage and number of trees now need to be removed as a result. With the continued warm and dry conditions, it only takes one careless act to cause lasting harm. Please do not light fires, BBQs or campfires in our parks and open spaces. Take all litter home and help us protect these special places for everyone."
The incidents highlight the ongoing risk posed by dry conditions and the importance of adhering to fire safety warnings. Authorities urge the public to follow the ban on disposable BBQs and avoid lighting any fires in parks or open spaces to prevent further damage to wildlife and habitats.
