Multiple fires destroy homes and cause devastation in West Midlands

Several homes were destroyed and dozens of residents evacuated as multiple fires raged across the West Midlands, UK, on a day marked by extreme heat. Fire services faced a surge in 999 calls, dealing with one of the most significant incidents in recent memory. A massive blaze near Stourbridge Golf Course prompted about 100 firefighters to battle the rapidly spreading fire, which ignited six homes.

Four homes in Stoke-on-Trent were destroyed by fire, a woman was seriously injured in Castle Vale, Birmingham, and a major incident was declared in Warwickshire due to a fire. Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed dismay at the impact on homes and communities, thanking firefighters and noting the injury and displacement of residents.

The fire chief in the region described the situation as "extremely worrying and fast-moving." The Stourbridge fire covered 40 acres, including woodland, with several points of origin. The ambulance service treated six people at the scene, with two taken to hospital. One child and three firefighters were also hospitalized region-wide.

One resident described smelling smoke at 13:15 BST, which quickly became intense before seeing flames above rooftops. Police ordered residents to evacuate homes adjacent to the golf course, with one person reporting being told to wet their fences and prepare to flee. Aerial footage revealed the extent of the damage, with multiple homes destroyed and smoke visible for miles.

Other fires were reported in Pershore, Stoke-on-Trent, and Worcester, with 30 homes evacuated and power disruptions affecting about 200 homes in the area. Severn Trent Water warned of potential water supply disruptions across the West Midlands. The M6 northbound was temporarily closed between junctions five and six due to smoke, causing significant delays.