A large grassland fire broke out at Perry Hall Playing Fields in Birmingham on Sunday afternoon, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing across the city as fire crews rushed to tackle the blaze.
The fire started in a large meadow area of the park at approximately 12.45pm on Sunday, August 2, and spread quickly through the dry grass. Dramatic photographs and video footage from the scene show towering columns of smoke rising above the trees while firefighters work at the edge of the flames.
Location of the incident
The affected section of land is situated next to the cricket pitches and runs along the railway line off Cherry Orchard Road. This proximity to the rail corridor has raised concerns about possible disruption to train services, though no official statement has been issued about any impact on the railway network.
Perry Hall Playing Fields is a well-known public open space in the Perry Barr area, popular with dog walkers, joggers and sports teams. The meadow where the fire took hold is separated from the main sports pitches by a strip of grassland, allowing the flames to spread unchecked before crews arrived.
Emergency response
Fire crews from West Midlands Fire Service are on site tackling the incident. BirminghamLive has contacted both West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police for statements, and this is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
Photos and videos from the scene show smoke columns rising high above the trees, with the glow of the fire visible at ground level. The fire service has not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze, and no further details have been released by officials.
What we know so far
- The fire was reported at around 12.45pm on Sunday, August 2.
- It started in a large meadow area of Perry Hall Playing Fields.
- The affected area is next to cricket pitches and the railway line off Cherry Orchard Road.
- Firefighters are at the scene; West Midlands Police has been contacted.
- The fire spread quickly, producing a massive plume of smoke visible across the city.
Potential impact and public advice
Given the location near the railway line, there is potential for smoke to affect train services in the area, though no official warning has been issued. Residents in nearby streets may see and smell smoke for some time as crews work to fully extinguish the fire.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the park while firefighting operations are under way and to follow any instructions from emergency services. BirminghamLive's live blog is being updated with new information as it emerges, and anyone with relevant photos or video is encouraged to share them with the newsroom.
