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Around 100 firefighters have been at the scene of a large grass fire near a golf course in Stourbridge. Credit: Peter Medlicott
Around 100 firefighters are battling a blaze near a golf course that has spread to six homes, with a child and three firefighters taken to hospital.
Six people have also been treated for smoke inhalation, West Midlands Fire Service said.
Twelve crews were initially called to the Racecourse Lane area in Stourbridge just before 1.30pm on Thursday.
The fire is estimated to involve an area of around 40 acres, including a wood, with locals being forced to evacuate their homes as a result of the blaze.
As temperatures climbed to 38C in parts of England, fires have also broken out in Stoke-on-Trent, Salford Priors in Warwickshire and Pershore in Worcestershire.
The wildfires across the West Midlands have been “one of the most significant” incidents the region’s fire service has ever dealt with, chief fire officer Simon Tuhill said on Thursday evening.
The fire service has dealt with “thousands of 999 calls” as more than 100 firefighters battled blazes across the region, he added.
Two people have been reported injured following the ‘extensive’ fire near Stourbridge golf course. Credit: West Midlands Fire Service
Stourbridge Town Hall opened to provide a safe base for residents, with transport arranged for those who couldn’t make their own way there.
Meanwhile, St Michael’s Church in Norton asked those in need of accommodation to get in touch.
One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “It has been terrible for those who have had their property destroyed, but it was terrifying for everyone.”
“It was all the way across the fields in no time at all. It was hard to believe it was happening,” they added.
West Midlands Fire Service has advised residents near Stourbridge to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution, and to avoid the area.
A burnt-out property on Racecourse Lane, Stourbridge. Credit: PA
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “This is a wildfire with several points of origin, now involving multiple houses on fire covering the area from Moreton Road to Iverley Lane, along the total length of Racecourse Lane, from Norton Road to County Lane and from Racecourse Lane to Worcester Lane. This includes Stourbridge Golf Club and surrounding roads.”
“Our crews are working tirelessly to control the blaze, prevent it from spreading further and reigniting in these dry, hot conditions,” they added.
“We are working alongside our emergency service partners, as well Severn Trent Water and West Midlands Railway.”
In a statement on its website about the current situation across the West Midlands, Severn Trent Water said: “We’re aware of the ongoing fire incidents in our region and are on site supporting emergency services as they respond.
“Some customers in the area may experience lower water pressure, no water supply or discoloured water while emergency services continue their response.”
100 firefighters are tackling the blaze near Stourbridge golf course after being called to the area shortly after 1:30pm today.
Councillor Andrew Southall, from Dudley Council, said: “Residents and care homes are being evacuated and the council have invoked their major incident plan.
“There are evacuations taking place and Stourbridge Town hall is the respite site. Another site will be set up if need be. The advice is to stay clear of the fire area.”
“In the short term that will be hotels and support from other associations as needed but housing have that in hand,” he added.
“We are liaising with emergency services and providing all support necessary.”
National Highways said the M6 northbound is closed between junctions five and six due to the fire.
Junction 5 is the Castle Bromwich Interchange and junction 6 is Gravelly Hill, also known as Spaghetti Junction.
In an update, the highways agency said the fire commander was not happy for the M6 to be reopened until the fire is fully extinguished.
Network Rail has said all services between Stourbridge Junction and Hagley are currently suspended due to the fire alongside the track.
In a statement on X, the railway company said: “Due to a lineside fire in Stourbridge, all services between Stourbridge Junction and Hagley are currently suspended.”
“We are supporting the emergency services while they deal with this incident,” it added.
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