Firefighters across the Midlands are being stretched to the limit after several major blazes broke out today, with a major incident declared in Warwickshire and two people injured in a Birmingham fire.
Blaze in Birmingham injures two
Two people were injured earlier after a fire ripped through a home in Birmingham. The blaze engulfed two bungalows on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale this afternoon. The fire started in one bungalow before quickly spreading to the neighbouring property.
The station commander said his crews were mobilised to the incident at 1.30pm, with around 30 firefighters rushing to the scene. There were two casualties, but they had escaped the properties before fire crews arrived and were being treated by paramedics.
Stourbridge grass fire prompts evacuations
A blaze has also broken out near a car garage on Norton Road, Stourbridge, with huge flames seen not far from nearby homes. Dozens of firefighters have been dispatched, and grass fires have led to residents being evacuated.
West Midlands Ambulance Service has sent crews to the scene. A WMAS spokesperson said: "Our crews are currently in attendance at a fire on Norton Road, Stourbridge, alongside colleagues from West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service. Please avoid the area where possible and allow emergency services to respond safely and effectively."
Multiple incidents across the region
Firefighters are responding to multiple fires across the region, including incidents at The Dell in Druids Heath and along Hillmeads Road in Kings Norton. Crews are on site managing the situations.
Emergency services are advising residents living nearby to keep windows and doors firmly closed to avoid smoke inhalation. People are also being asked to avoid both areas where possible to allow emergency vehicles clear access. A fire has also broken out on Lyndon Playing Fields in Solihull, with Gilbertstone Avenue currently blocked as a result.
Major incident declared in Warwickshire
A major incident has been declared in Warwickshire due to a large fire in the village of Salford Priors near Stratford-upon-Avon. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned residents nearby to close all doors and windows.
The service added: "Please stay away from the area. Our control room is receiving a large number of calls, so please contact us only in a genuine emergency. It's imperative that residents take all steps to reduce any fire risk. Please read advice on our social media channels about fire and water safety. You can make all the difference."
