Fire crews in the West Midlands are making headway in tackling major blazes that have destroyed homes and prompted thousands of 999 calls during a record-breaking heatwave. Chief fire officer Simon Tuhill, of West Midlands Fire Service, described the Stourbridge fire as "one of the most significant" incidents the regional fire service has had to deal with.
Stourbridge blaze forces evacuations
The fire in Stourbridge forced residents to evacuate as it swept through homes. In a Friday morning statement, West Midlands Fire Service confirmed crews were "making progress" and "tactically working across several different areas of the site". Latest pictures show homes badly damaged or destroyed by fire.
Mr Tuhill said more than 100 firefighters were sent to the scene, and the fire is believed to have started in grassland before spreading to nearby homes. He added that the emergency service presence "will likely run into days" and asked people to stay away from the area.
Prime Minister praises firefighters
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Awful to see homes and communities hit by fires across the country tonight as the heatwave continues. My thoughts are with everyone affected, particularly those who have been injured or forced from their homes, and with the firefighters who have been taken to hospital."
He added: "I'm in touch with local leaders (including West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker) and will be speaking to emergency services on the ground as they continue their response. Our firefighters are working in incredibly difficult conditions and putting themselves at risk to keep others safe. A huge thank you to them and everyone supporting the effort tonight."
Nathan Hudson, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, said six people were treated at the scene, with two taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation. Mr Burnham has pledged to support fire and rescue services with any additional resources they need, the county's mayor Richard Parker told Sky News.
Heatwave and regional impact
The Met Office said 38.1C was recorded at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday – the second time this year temperatures have reached 38C. Temperatures are set to cool slightly on Friday, with highs of 34C expected in the south east, but little rain is forecast for the Midlands over the weekend. The West Midlands was subject to an amber warning for extreme heat for much of Thursday.
In Worcestershire, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said a number of homes had been damaged and 30 properties were evacuated in Pershore following a large fire on Lancelott Court. One person was treated for smoke inhalation, and about 200 homes were left without power.
In Stoke-on-Trent, another blaze hit "a small number of properties and gardens" in the Goldenhill area. Severn Trent Water warned of disruption to water supply, with customers in Kidsgrove possibly experiencing lower pressure and discoloured water. In Warwickshire, a "large fire" in Salford Priors was declared a major incident. Smoke forced the closure of the M6 northbound between junctions five and six, causing more than two hours of delays.
An investigation into how the Stourbridge fire started will now begin. Mr Tuhill said: "Of course, we will carry out a joint investigation with police colleagues and our specialist fire investigation team."
