What we know so far about the fires across the West Midlands

Multiple fires have caused “apocalyptic scenes” across the West Midlands, forcing people to flee their homes.

West Midlands Fire Service said it was facing “extreme levels of demand” due to a huge fire in Stourbridge on Thursday, where a child and three firefighters were taken to hospital.

Emergency services across the region said they are also tackling fires in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, and Pershore in Worcestershire.

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker described the “multiple fires across our region” as an “extremely worrying and fast-moving situation”.

Here is what we know so far:

Stourbridge

West Midlands Fire Service said six houses were affected by the large blaze in Stourbridge, which is estimated to cover 40 acres of land, including a wood.

Wollaston and Stourbridge town councillor Andrew Southall said care home residents have been evacuated alongside others as a result of the fire near Stourbridge golf course.

About 60 firefighters attended the scene after being alerted to the blaze at about 1.30pm.

Footage circulating on social media showed a number of buildings on fire and huge plumes of smoke coming from a nearby field.

The fire service said flames were spreading “across roads in places”, with people urged to stay indoors.

Drone footage published by the force showed a heat map of flames threatening to engulf homes in the area as smoke billowed across the town.

Stourbridge town hall has been set up as a rescue centre for people who have had to flee their homes.

Stratford-upon-Avon

In nearby Warwickshire, the county’s fire and rescue service said it is responding to a “large fire” in Salford Priors, Stratford-Upon-Avon, which has been declared a major incident.

Police, fire crews and ambulances are at the scene of the wildfire.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of smoke on Tothall Lane in Salford Priors.

“On arrival crews discovered a wildfire which was spreading to nearby out-buildings,” a spokesperson said.

“There are currently 10 appliances in attendance. This incident has been declared a major incident.”

Stoke-on-Trent

In Stoke-on-Trent, north of Birmingham, fire has hit “a small number of properties and gardens”.

Crews from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue are on the scene of the blaze in the Goldenhill area.

In a statement, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said: “A small number of properties and gardens in the Sandy Road area have been affected by fire.

“Sandyford Park remains cordoned off by Stoke-on-Trent Police.

“Goldenhill Community Centre on Drummond Street is open to provide support to local residents.

“Drivers are urged to follow Staffordshire Police officers’ directions and the diversion routes in place.”

Severn Trent Water warned of disruption to water supply across the West Midlands region.

In Kidsgrove, near Stoke-on-Trent, the utility said because fire services needed to use hydrants, customers may experience lower water pressure and discoloured water.

Pershore

Residents have been evacuated after homes were damaged as a blaze hit Pershore, where around 200 properties are without power and a person has suffered smoke inhalation.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said emergency services were called out at around 4.30pm on Thursday to deal with “a large” fire on Lancelott Court, off Three Springs Road.

A spokesman said: “One person has been treated for smoke inhalation. Thankfully, no other injuries have been reported at this time.

“A number of homes have been damaged, and 30 properties in the area have been evacuated.”

Residents in the wider area have been told to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution and surrounding roads have been temporarily shut.

The spokesman said that “approximately 200 properties are currently without power”.

He added: “We recognise this will be an upsetting time for the local community and would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation while we respond to the incident.”