Birmingham City Council has issued an update after six homes were destroyed in a devastating fire on Gorleston Road in Highters Heath, next to Daisy Farm Recreation Ground. The blaze, which took hold on Thursday, August 13, has left families without a roof over their heads.
Council crews clear debris and plan temporary fencing
In a video posted on social media, Dave Ashmore, director of housing management at Birmingham City Council, said: "Just seeing all the fantastic work that the council and community have come together to support residents here, some of which have been significantly impacted."
Council crews have been busy clearing away burnt belongings destroyed by the fire. A statement shared alongside the video says: "Following the fire at Gorleston Road, council officers were on site again today supporting residents with clearing debris to make way for temporary fencing."
The statement continues: "We recognise this has been an incredibly difficult time for those affected, and our teams are working hard to provide support and help residents through the recovery process."
Fire commander and police investigation
Fire commander Peter Simmons previously said that the blaze had broken out in the park at the rear of the properties. West Midlands Police are investigating the cause of the blaze.
Half-a-dozen houses were destroyed by the flames. The council is now planning to place a fence around the properties after clearing debris away from the area.
Residents share heartbreak and relief
Local resident Emily Dalton said her family were "very lucky" that their home was spared. She said: "My mum has oxygen so, if it hit her house, we would have went boom."
Andrew Reynolds saw his mum's house destroyed in the fire. He previously told BirminghamLive: "There's nothing left. Mum's lost everything more or less, to be honest. Everything's gone, it's all gone. My mum's lost everything. All my mum's possessions, all the family things in the loft from my nan and grandad, photographs of yesteryear."
The council has emphasised its commitment to supporting affected residents through the recovery process, with teams working hard to provide ongoing assistance.
