19 Homes Destroyed as Wildfires Sweep West Midlands

Multiple wildfires swept through the West Midlands on Thursday, destroying 19 homes and damaging 18 others during what was recorded as the UK's hottest day of the year so far.

Stourbridge worst hit

Fire crews were called to a large blaze near Stourbridge Golf Club just after 13:30 BST. The fire spread over more than 500 acres of dry grass, forcing residents to evacuate and ultimately destroying entire streets of houses. West Midlands Fire Service chief fire officer Simon Tuhill described the conditions as some of the most challenging he had seen in 28 years of service.

Over 100 firefighters battled the Stourbridge blaze. One firefighter was hospitalised and later discharged; five others suffered minor injuries including smoke inhalation. A total of 54 members of the public were treated by paramedics, with 19 taken to hospital. Six suffered smoke inhalation and one child was hospitalised.

Fires across the region

Fires were also reported across Worcestershire, where around 30 homes were evacuated in Pershore and 200 properties lost power. In Staffordshire, four homes were destroyed in Stoke-on-Trent's Goldenhill area; two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson. Six Staffordshire firefighters were hospitalised for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. A major incident was also declared in Warwickshire. Residents have been warned they could be away from their homes for days as crews continue to damp down hotspots.