Residents in Stourbridge have described the situation in the town as "apocalyptic" as the cost of fires across the wider West Midlands becomes clearer. Dozens of people have been taken to hospital across the wider region as a result of fires.
In Stourbridge, councillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town on Dudley Borough Council, described the situation as "apocalyptic". He said: "The apocalyptic scenes in Norton and across Stourbridge are sadly just a taste of what is to come if we don't act." He went on to say: "It is my view, and it has been for a while, that Dudley councillors must have an emergency meeting about we protect our borough from the impacts of climate change."
Fire Forces Evacuations on Hottest Day
Some residents were forced to evacuate after blazes began ripping through properties on Britain's hottest day of the year. West Midlands Fire Service reported facing "extreme levels of demand" due to a fire in Stourbridge on Thursday, which resulted in a child and three firefighters being hospitalised.
The fire service confirmed six houses were impacted by the blaze and the incident is believed to cover approximately 40 acres of land, including woodland.
Resident Describes Harrowing Escape
Local resident Phillip Jones, whose home sits near where the Stourbridge fire spread, told Sky News: "It was quite hard to breathe, actually, when we left the car, getting to the home." He continued: "We have the golf course and then the cricket club between us and the fire. So, at the moment, we have grab bags by the door, ready to leave if we have to leave, but it hasn't come to that yet, thankfully for us."
Water Supply Warnings Issued
Elsewhere Severn Trent Water issued warnings about disruption to water supplies throughout the West Midlands as a consequence of the wildfires. The utility company stated customers in Kidsgrove, close to Stoke-on-Trent, might encounter reduced pressure and discoloured water because firefighters required access to hydrants.
Efforts continue today to get the Stourbridge fire under control.
