Nineteen homes were completely destroyed in the West Midlands after a large wildfire rapidly spread into buildings during the UK’s hottest day of the year.
Huge blazes across the region led to “apocalyptic” scenes, thousands of 999 calls and evacuations, with residents told to “stay away” from their homes as firefighters work to tackle the blaze.
In addition to the 19 homes that were destroyed in Stourbridge, a further 18 were damaged as the fire spread over more than 500 acres.
Crews are still working to tackle the blaze which has left a “significant” number of residents displaced.
A child was among those taken to hospital after one wildfire in Stourbridge left “extensive” devastation to homes and grassland.
One firefighter was also taken hospitalised but has since been discharged, with a further five suffering minor injuries, including smoke inhalation, West Midlands Fire Service chief fire officer Simon Tuhill said.
Mr Tuhill warned the the emergency service presence in Stourbridge “will likely run into days” as he told people to “stay away” from the area.
More than 100 firefighters were sent to the scene of the wildfire on Thursday, which is believed to have started in the grassland before spreading to houses nearby, according to the West Midlands Fire Service.
Overall 19 people were taken to hospital yesterday, the region's ambulance service said.
The West Midlands was subject to an amber warning for extreme heat for much of Thursday before multiple fires were reported, which was set to expire just before midnight.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was in touch with local leaders in the West Midlands as firefighters continue to bring several wildfires in the region under control.
He said in a statement: “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.
“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.
“Please stay safe and follow their advice.”
Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for housing, communities and local Government said: “We are working closely with the local Fire and Rescue Service and partners on the ground in Stourbridge and are being regularly updated.
“I would like to thank the brave emergency services, and my thoughts are with people who have been forced to leave their homes.”
Resident Phillip Jones, who lives close to where the fire in Stourbridge has taken hold, told Sky News: “We noticed the smoke about one o’clock this afternoon, coming back from an orthodontist appointment and it just got thicker and thicker.
“It was quite hard to breathe, actually, when we left the car, getting to the home. I am at home and have locked up all the windows.
“There has been a steady stream of fire engines, police cars, helicopters above. A number of roads have been closed, a number of our friends have been evacuated from their homes.”
He added: “We have grab bags by the door, ready to leave if we have to leave, but it hasn’t come to that yet, thankfully for us.
“There’s a lot of concern but there’s a lot of rallying around as well, lots of offering, you know, clothes, food, places to shelter, the local church has opened up.”
Drone video shared by the service showed a thermal map of flames threatening nearby homes as heavy smoke drifted over the town.
Stourbridge town hall has now opened as a rescue centre for displaced residents.
Mr Parker described the fires in the region as an “extremely worrying and fast-moving situation”.
A major blaze in nearby Pershore, Worcestershire, damaged a number of houses and forced the evacuation of 30 properties as temperatures rose across the UK.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service reported that one individual received treatment for smoke inhalation after the outbreak at roughly 4.30pm, which also knocked out electricity supply to around 200 nearby homes.
Elsewhere, in the Goldenhill area of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, emergency crews tackled a separate incident that struck "a small number of properties and gardens".
Staffordshire Police said a 23-year-old man and 24-year-old woman, both from the city, have been arrested on suspicion of arson after the incident.
The widespread wildfires prompted Severn Trent Water to issue warnings regarding potential water supply issues throughout the West Midlands region.
According to the utility firm, residents in Kidsgrove, located close to Stoke-on-Trent, could see reduced pressure and discoloured water because firefighters needed to use local hydrants.
Meanwhile, smoke from nearby wildfires forced the closure of the M6 northbound between junctions five and six – causing more than two hours of delays.
The road later reopened but motorists continued to face six miles of congestion.
Meanwhile, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was responding to a “large fire” in Salford Priors, Stratford-on-Avon. It urged residents in the area to close all doors and windows.
Police, fire crews and ambulances are at the scene of the wildfire which has been declared a major incident.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of a large plume of smoke on Tothall Lane, Salford Priors in Stratford-on-Avon.
13/8/26 5pm Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have declared a major incident due to a large fire in Salford Priors. There is a large emergency presence in the area and we continue to advise residents nearby to close all doors and windows. Please stay away from the area. pic.twitter.com/r5OzNI5QJh
— Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (@WarksFireRescue) August 13, 2026
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Richard Stanton said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this fire. We know a number of families have seen their homes destroyed or seriously damaged and our thoughts are with everyone that has been affected by this incident.
“Our crews have been working incredibly hard overnight and into this morning to get things under control and the situation is vastly improved from yesterday afternoon but we’ll have resources at the scene for some time yet.”
The fire service added: “Please stay away from the area. Our control room is receiving a large number of calls, so please contact us only in a genuine emergency.
“It’s imperative that residents take all steps to reduce any fire risk. Please read advice on our social media channels about fire and water safety.
“West Midlands Ambulance Service and Warwickshire Police are also on scene.”
Read MoreBurnham sets out package of measures to respond to devastating wildfires
Huge wildfire in West Midlands destroys 19 homes on UK’s hottest day of year
Flooding could follow wildfires across the UK, Andy Burnham warns
PM warns ‘UK is a tinderbox’ as he scrambles to respond to wildfires gripping country
One of UK’s longest-married couples shares secret to wedded bliss
Wickford train derailment latest: Second passenger train comes off line in Essex
