Child and three emergency responders in hospital due to Stourbridge wildfire

A child and three emergency responders have been taken to hospital following a wildfire in Stourbridge.

West Midlands Fire Service said it was facing “extreme levels of demand” due to a fire this afternoon (August 13). The fire service said six houses were affected by the blaze and the incident is estimated to involve about 40 acres of land, including a wood.

Around 100 firefighters are at the scene and roads are closed in the area - with residents being evacuated from their homes.

West Midlands Fire Service have confirmed three of their responders have been taken to hospital, as well as a child. Six members of the public were also treated for smoke inhalation.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: “This is a wildfire with several points of origin, now involving multiple houses on fire, covering the area from Moreton Road to Iverley Lane, along the total length of Racecourse Lane, from Norton Road to County Lane and from Racecourse Lane to Worcester Lane. This includes Stourbridge Golf Club and surrounding roads.

“Roads are closed in the area as they are affected by smoke, fire and in some cases, fallen trees. If you must drive, avoid this area to let us manage this incident. Our crews are working tirelessly to control the blaze, prevent it from spreading further and reigniting in these dry, hot conditions.

“3 members of fire service personnel have been taken to hospital, 6 members of the public have been treated for smoke inhalation as well as 1 child who has been taken to hospital. We are working alongside our emergency service partners, as well Severn Trent Water and West Midlands Railway.

“We are currently facing extreme levels of demand as a service, and need your immediate help. Wherever you are in the West Midlands, please do whatever you can to stay safe and minimise the risk of outdoor fires.

“If you are directly affected by an ongoing fire, please DO NOT risk tackling it yourself. Get to a safe place and call 999. We will do our very best to get help to you as soon as we can.”