Emergency services were called to Gornal Crematorium on Sunday, August 2, after two fires were deliberately started within the grounds. West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) confirmed that firefighters from Stourbridge attended the scene on Chase Road, Gornal Wood, shortly before 4pm.
The fires were quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported. A WMFS spokesperson stated that crews remained at the site until 6:30pm to ensure the area was safe.
Incident Details
The first call came in just before 4pm on August 2, prompting a response from a single fire engine. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered two separate fires that had been lit within the crematorium grounds. The fires are believed to have been started deliberately, though no further details about the cause or any potential suspects have been released.
WMFS confirmed that both fires were extinguished without the need for additional resources. The spokesperson added, "Shortly before 4pm on Sunday 2 August, we responded to Chase Road, Gornal Wood. A fire engine from Stourbridge attended Gornal Crematorium, arriving to find two separately lit fires within the grounds. We extinguished the fires, that are believed to have been started deliberately. We left this incident at 6.30pm."
Community Response
The incident has raised concerns among local residents, as the crematorium is a place of mourning and reflection. Deliberate fires at such a sensitive location are particularly distressing for those who have recently lost loved ones. The police have not yet commented on whether they are investigating the incident as a potential arson case.
Gornal Crematorium, located in the Gornal Wood area of Dudley, is a well-known facility that serves the local community. It is not the first time that the site has been targeted, but this is the most recent in a series of incidents that have prompted calls for increased security.
Safety Measures
Local officials have urged anyone with information about the fires to come forward. The crematorium management has been contacted for a statement, but has not yet responded publicly. In the meantime, WMFS has reminded the public to report any suspicious activity near public buildings to the authorities.
The incident occurred on the same weekend that emergency services across the West Midlands dealt with a number of fire-related callouts, though this was the only one reported at a crematorium. No damage figures have been provided, but the swift action of the fire crews likely prevented any significant structural damage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Fire Service or West Midlands Police. The investigation into the deliberate fires is ongoing.
