West Midlands Fire Service has restarted its process to support residents back to their homes following the devastating wildfires in Stourbridge on Thursday, August 13. The major incident destroyed homes, forced families to evacuate, and left neighbourhoods reeling. In an update on Sunday, August 16, the service issued specific instructions for residents from five affected roads.
Residents instructed to attend meeting point
In a social media post, WMFS urged residents to bring proof of address to a waiting fire vehicle at the turn of Worcester Lane/Pedmore Court Road from Hagley Road. They stressed that only residents should attend, and that no specific information would be given over the phone, social media, or email. The service also warned: "DO NOT call 999 for details, we will not be able to provide them."
Residents are asked to bring as few people as possible to the meeting point, where they must identify themselves to West Midlands Fire Service or West Midlands Police. The meeting point is accessible only from Hagley Road, not from Redlake Road or Racecourse Lane, and can be located using What3words: town.face.double.
What happens next and who should attend
At the meeting point, an emergency services officer will inform residents whether they can return to their property, if further assessment is needed (in which case an escort will be provided), or if they cannot return yet. If the property has been damaged or destroyed, residents will be informed. WMFS emphasized that abuse or poor behaviour will not be tolerated, as emergency services have been working hard since Thursday.
Residents from these roads should attend: Brunswick Gate, Landsgate, Ounty John Lane, Quarry Park Road, and Racecourse Lane.
Utilities restored for most
For those allowed home, National Grid and Cadent have returned power and gas supplies to most residences, but are available once residents return home if electricity or gas is still unavailable.
