West Midlands Fire Service has issued a grim update after a devastating wildfire ripped through Stourbridge, destroying homes and leaving a number of buildings structurally unsafe. Crews remain at the scene, with exclusion zones in place, pockets of smoke continuing to emerge, and firefighters monitoring and damping down hotspots across several areas.
A child and three firefighters were taken to hospital following the blaze, while six members of the public were treated for smoke inhalation. Two of those were taken to hospital for further treatment. The huge blaze broke out near Stourbridge Golf Course shortly before 1.30pm on Thursday before spreading across an estimated 40 acres, including woodland, and gutting six homes.
Scale of devastation described as 'apocalyptic'
The scale of the devastation prompted Councillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town, to describe the scenes in Norton and across Stourbridge as "apocalyptic". Footage from the scene showed buildings engulfed by flames and huge plumes of smoke rising across the town.
One resident described the speed at which the fire spread, saying: "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."
Fire service update and ongoing response
In its latest update, West Midlands Fire Service said: "Crews are continuing to work across several areas, including Racecourse Lane, Norton Road, Ounty John Lane, Quarry Park, Brunswick Gate, Melrose Drive and Worcester Lane, monitoring and damping down hotspots.
"Several exclusion zones remain in place around Quarry Park and Brunswick Gate because a number of buildings have been deemed structurally unsafe. Several areas have also been isolated by Cadent. There are still pockets of smoke emerging across the affected site, which crews are dealing with as they arise. If you feel there is a need to call 999, please do so.
"We continue to ask people to stay away from the scene. This request is likely to remain in place for some time. If you are affected by smoke, please close your windows and doors."
Community support and continuing efforts
The fire service thanked the Stourbridge community and emergency service partners for their support, saying crews had been "truly taken aback by the kindness and support" shown during the response. Around 60 firefighters were initially sent to tackle the fire, which at one stage saw flames spreading across roads.
Residents and care home occupants were evacuated, with Stourbridge Town Hall opened as a rest centre for people forced to flee their homes. West Midlands Fire Service said progress is now being made at the scene, although crews continue to monitor and extinguish hotspots. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
