A fire on Gorleston Road in Highters Heath, Birmingham, has left four families devastated, but the community has rallied to raise more than £7,000 in just 14 hours. The blaze broke out on the afternoon of Thursday, August 13, and firefighters battled to control it as it ripped through the roofs of homes, with several severely damaged and some completely destroyed.
GoFundMe page launched by TikToker
A GoFundMe page was set up by TikToker Ringz N Tiingz, who said he was at the scene before the emergency services and helped residents evacuate their properties. On the page, he posted: "Families have been left facing the unimaginable reality of losing their homes and, in many cases, everything they own."
He added: "This has been a truly devastating event, and multiple families have been affected and are now in desperate need of support. If you are able to donate anything at all, no matter how small, it would be massively appreciated. Every donation can make a difference to families who have lost so much."
Community response and shelter
Ringz N Tiingz also thanked "everyone who has already helped, and to the members of the public who acted quickly and bravely during such a frightening situation." The fire occurred near Daisy Farm Park, close to the Maypole, and Warstock Community Centre was opened to offer shelter. Emergency services advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed to avoid smoke inhalation.
The fundraising effort reflects a broader pattern of fires across the West Midlands in the past 24 hours. West Midlands Fire Service declared a Major Incident in Stourbridge, where 40 acres of land have been ablaze for hours. Fires have also been reported in Willenhall, Tamworth, Oldbury, Evesham, and Pershore, on what has been declared the 'hottest day' of the year so far.
Impact and how to help
Donations can be made via the GoFundMe page, and sharing the post is encouraged to reach more people. The community's rapid response highlights the urgent need for support for the affected families, who are now facing the loss of their homes and belongings.
