'Words cannot describe losing our home in Stourbridge wildfire'

Robin and Loxie Williams have lived in their four-bedroom home on Ounty John Lane for 26 years, but their world was turned upside down when a wildfire destroyed their home last Thursday. The couple, who have been married for 59 years, were out with friends when the fire broke out. When they returned, they watched in horror as firefighters closed the road and their neighborhood burned down on television.

Loxie, 78, described the flames as something "you just can't believe." Nineteen properties were destroyed in total, with the wildfire occurring on the hottest day of the year so far. Among the few possessions left are a teacup, some paperwork, and remnants of clothes. Robin, 82, who worked as a butcher for 68 years, said the fire came on extremely quickly.

The couple, who have been given support by volunteers, returned to their home for the first time on Sunday and found their garden devastated. They expressed their gratitude for the firefighters' efforts, despite recognizing they were fighting a losing battle.