Multiple fires across the West Midlands have led to evacuations and injuries, with a child and three firefighters taken to hospital after a large blaze in Stourbridge. West Midlands Fire Service said it was facing "extreme levels of demand" as crews also battled fires in Stratford-upon-Avon, Stoke-on-Trent, and Pershore.
Stourbridge fire: Six homes affected and 60 firefighters at scene
In Stourbridge, six houses were affected by a large fire estimated to cover 40 acres of land, including a wood. Around 60 firefighters attended the scene after being alerted to the blaze at about 1.30pm on Thursday. Wollaston and Stourbridge town councillor Andrew Southall said care home residents have been evacuated alongside others as a result of the fire near Stourbridge golf course.
Videos circulating on social media showed a number of buildings ablaze with enormous plumes of smoke rising from a nearby field. The fire service warned that flames were spreading "across roads in places," urging residents to remain indoors. Drone footage released by the service revealed a heat map of flames threatening to engulf homes in the area as smoke billowed across the town. Stourbridge town hall has been set up as a rescue centre for residents who have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Major incident declared in Stratford-upon-Avon and fires in Stoke-on-Trent
In neighbouring Warwickshire, the county's fire and rescue service confirmed it is dealing with a "large fire" in Salford Priors, Stratford-upon-Avon, which has been declared a major incident. Police, firefighters, and ambulances are all present at the scene of the wildfire. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service was contacted at 2.30pm on Thursday following reports of smoke on Tothall Lane in Salford Priors. "On arrival crews discovered a wildfire which was spreading to nearby out-buildings," a spokesperson said. "There are currently 10 appliances in attendance. This incident has been declared a major incident."
In Stoke-on-Trent, fire has struck "a small number of properties and gardens" in the Goldenhill area. Crews from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue are attending the blaze. In an official statement, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said: "A small number of properties and gardens in the Sandy Road area have been affected by fire. Sandyford Park remains cordoned off by Stoke-on-Trent Police. Goldenhill Community Centre on Drummond Street is open to provide support to local residents." Drivers are urged to follow Staffordshire Police officers' directions and the diversion routes in place.
Pershore fire: 200 homes without power and evacuations
Residents have been evacuated after properties were damaged when a blaze broke out in Pershore, leaving around 200 homes without power and one person suffering from smoke inhalation. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 4.30pm on Thursday to tackle "a large" fire on Lancelott Court, off Three Springs Road. A spokesman said: "One person has been treated for smoke inhalation. Thankfully, no other injuries have been reported at this time. A number of homes have been damaged, and 30 properties in the area have been evacuated."
Residents in the surrounding area have been advised to keep their windows and doors shut as a precautionary measure, while nearby roads have been temporarily closed. The spokesman confirmed that "approximately 200 properties are currently without power." He added: "We recognise this will be an upsetting time for the local community and would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation while we respond to the incident."
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker described the "multiple fires across our region" as an "extremely worrying and fast-moving situation." Severn Trent Water has cautioned residents about potential disruption to water supply throughout the West Midlands region. In Kidsgrove, near Stoke-on-Trent, the utility company stated that due to fire services requiring access to hydrants, residents may notice reduced water pressure and discoloured water.
