Birmingham City Council has completed the immediate clean-up operation on Gorleston Road following the fire that severely damaged six properties, but officials have warned that longer-term restoration work is still required.
Clean-Up Operation Completed
The council confirmed this week that crews have finished removing trees badly damaged by the fire on both council and private property. Temporary fencing was installed on Thursday, August 20, with council crews returning the following day to continue the clear-up.
In a statement posted on social media, Birmingham City Council said: "The immediate clean-up on Gorleston Road following the fire there last week is now complete - though more work is needed in the longer term to restore grounds and surrounding areas."
Fire Details and Impact
The fire began on Thursday, August 13, at Daisy Farm Park and spread to Gorleston Road in Highters Heath, severely damaging six properties. Homes on the street were devastated by the blaze, which prompted a significant emergency response.
BirminghamLive visited Gorleston Road on Tuesday and spoke with residents in the days following the fire. Among them was Imran Khan, a 39-year-old resident who lives with his mother, partner, and children.
Resident Describes Ordeal
Khan was away from home when he received the call about the fire and immediately rushed back to help his family evacuate. He described the experience as "saddening" for the street.
"I immediately ran down to get the family out. Forget the belongings, what comes first is family," Khan said. "You can always get belongings back one way or another. I've never witnessed a fire in my life, it was something I had only seen in movies."
He added: "I'm thinking about it on a daily basis and wondering how something like that could happen right outside my house. It's saddening really and something which no one would ever want to happen."
The council has not provided a timeline for the longer-term restoration of grounds and surrounding areas, but confirmed that the immediate clean-up phase is now complete. An emergency fundraising appeal has been launched for West Midland families affected by wildfires.
