One week after a devastating fire ripped through Stourbridge town centre, the full timeline of events has been pieced together by local authorities. The blaze, which broke out on the evening of 15 February, destroyed the historic Red House Glass Cone and adjacent buildings, causing significant damage to the area.
How the Fire Started
West Midlands Fire Service was called to the scene at approximately 7:30 PM on 15 February. Crews from Stourbridge, Halesowen, and Brierley Hill fire stations responded to reports of a fire at the Red House Glass Cone, a Grade II listed structure dating back to the 18th century. The fire quickly spread to nearby buildings, including a former pub and a row of shops.
According to the fire service, the blaze was brought under control by 10:00 PM, but crews remained on site overnight to dampen hotspots. No injuries were reported, but the cone structure was completely destroyed, and several businesses were left without premises.
Timeline of Events
In the days following the fire, investigators from West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police worked to determine the cause. On 16 February, a cordon was put in place around the site, and nearby roads were closed. By 17 February, the fire service confirmed that the blaze was not being treated as suspicious, but investigations were ongoing.
On 18 February, Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb visited the site and described the damage as "heartbreaking." She said: "The Red House Glass Cone is a symbol of Stourbridge's heritage, and to see it destroyed is devastating. I am working with the local council and the fire service to ensure the area is made safe and that businesses affected receive support."
By 19 February, the cordon was reduced, and some roads reopened. However, the Red House Glass Cone site remained closed to the public. On 20 February, Dudley Council announced that it would be working with heritage experts to assess the damage and explore options for restoration.
Impact on the Community
The fire has had a significant impact on the local community. The Red House Glass Cone was a popular tourist attraction and a key part of Stourbridge's industrial heritage. It housed a museum and a glassmaking studio, which employed several local artisans. The adjacent buildings included a charity shop, a café, and a hairdresser, all of which have been forced to close temporarily.
Local resident Sarah Thompson, who lived nearby, said: "The cone was a landmark. It's hard to imagine Stourbridge without it. I hope they can rebuild it, but it will take a long time."
Dudley Council has set up a support line for affected businesses and residents. The council's leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, said: "Our priority is to ensure the safety of the area and to support those who have been affected. We are working with the fire service and other agencies to assess the damage and plan the next steps."
Next Steps
As of 22 February, the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. The fire service has not yet released a final report, but initial findings suggest the fire may have started in a bin store at the rear of the cone. West Midlands Fire Service has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Dudley Council has confirmed that it will be consulting with Historic England on the restoration of the Red House Glass Cone. The council has also pledged to support affected businesses through the recovery process. The cordon around the site is expected to remain in place for several more weeks while structural assessments are carried out.
