Firefighters were called to Oldbury Golf Course on Wednesday afternoon following reports of a large fire. Crews from West Midlands Fire Service arrived at the scene to find a significant area of grassland alight, with smoke billowing across the surrounding neighbourhood.
Incident details
The blaze broke out at around 14:30 BST on the course, which is located off Birchley Island. Six fire engines and a number of support vehicles were dispatched to tackle the flames, which had spread across a wide area of dry grass and gorse.
Firefighters used beaters and water jets to control the fire, working in difficult conditions due to the hot and dry weather. The fire was brought under control by late afternoon, but crews remained on site for several hours to damp down hotspots.
Response and impact
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: “We were called at 14:32 to reports of a fire at Oldbury Golf Course. Crews worked hard to contain the blaze, which affected approximately two hectares of land. There were no injuries, and the cause is being investigated.”
Residents in the area reported seeing large plumes of smoke rising from the course, with some expressing concern on social media. The fire service advised people to keep windows closed and avoid the area while the incident was ongoing.
Investigation and advice
The fire is not being treated as suspicious, but the service has reminded the public to be careful with discarded cigarettes and to report any signs of fire immediately. The golf course remains open, although some areas have been cordoned off for safety.
West Midlands Fire Service has urged residents to call 999 if they see a fire and to never attempt to tackle a blaze themselves. The incident highlights the increased risk of fires during dry weather, and the service is asking people to be vigilant.
