Firefighters tell residents to “stay away” as they work to tackle the blaze that tore through homes in the West Midlands, where a child and three firefighters were taken to hospital.
On the hottest day of the year, with temperatures soaring to 38.1C in Kew Gardens, more than 100 firefighters were tackling huge fires in the Stourbridge and Stratford-upon-Avon areas.
At Stourbridge golf course, an “extensive grass fire” spread across roads in places with people urged to stay indoors.
West Midlands Fire Service said that multiple houses caught fire and people were evacuated from their homes. The organisation said a child and three firefighters were taken to hospital.
Fourteen fire engines remain on the scene and Chief fire officer Simon Tuhill has warned the emergency service presence in Stourbridge “will likely run into days” as he told people to “stay away” from the area.
Councillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town on Dudley Borough Council, described the scene of the fire in Stourbridge as “apocalyptic”.
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Key Points
- One child and three firefighters taken to hospital in Stourbridge
- Six houses impacted by fire in Stourbridge
- Where are the fires taking place
- Major incident declared at fire in Stratford
- Residents told to 'stay away' from area
Where has drought been declared in England and Wales?
10:30 , Rebecca WhittakerFollowing a record dry July and very low levels of rain at the start of August, 27 million people are now under water-use restrictions, with 45 million people living in drought conditions, officials from the National Drought Group said on Monday.
In July, 19 counties across England recorded effectively no rainfall – 1mm or less – across the whole of the month, the Met Office figures show, causing river levels to fall and leaving ground dry and at risk of wildfires.
Where is the Stourbridge wildfire?
10:15 , Rebecca WhittakerA fire in Stourbridge, left “extensive” devastation and was “one of the most significant” incidents West Midlands Fire Service has ever dealt with.
UK has hottest day of year so far as temperatures hit 38.1C
10:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far, as temperatures provisionally reached 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London, the Met Office said.
It is the second time this year the country has seen temperatures reach 38C, and the new high surpasses the previous hottest day of 2026 when 38C was recorded in the late June heatwave as the UK struggled under a rare “red warning” for extreme temperatures.
The only other time temperatures have reached 38C twice in a year was in 2022 when the UK recorded its hottest ever temperatures, the Met Office said.
Read more here:
UK has hottest day of year so far as temperatures hit 38.1C
Pictures: The burnt out remains of houses following a huge blaze in Stourbridge
09:45 , Rebecca Whittaker
How hot will it be in Stourbridge today?
09:40 , Rebecca WhittakerYesterday was the hottest day of the year, with a provisional temperature of 38.1C recorded in Kew Gardens, surpassing the previous high of 38C on 28 June.
It is just the second day this year the country has reached 38C, and is also the fifth hottest day on record.
Highs of 34C could be seen in central London later today, according to the Met Office.
Plus in the West Midlands near Stourbridge temperatures could reach 29C.
Along with wind gusts of more than 25mph, the area could be at risk of fire spreading again.
However, firefighters remain at the scene to dampen down hot spots.
Huge West Midlands fires cause ‘extensive’ devastation as many forced to flee their homes
09:30 , Rebecca WhittakerHuge blazes across the West Midlands led to “apocalyptic” scenes and led to thousands of 999 calls, a fire chief has said.
One of the fires, in Stourbridge, left “extensive” devastation and was “one of the most significant” incidents West Midlands Fire Service has ever dealt with.
Simon Tuhill, chief fire officer at West Midlands Fire Service, said more than 100 firefighters were sent to the scene, adding that the blaze is believed to have started in the grassland before spreading to houses nearby.
Read the full story here:
Huge West Midlands fires cause ‘extensive devastation’ as many forced to flee homes
Pictured: Firefighters remain on the scene in Stourbridge as residents told to 'stay away'
09:15 , Rebecca Whittaker
Fire services urges against using disposable barbecues and throwing cigarettes on the floor
09:00 , Rebecca WhittakerWest Midlands Fire Service is urging everyone to “think carefully about their behaviour” during this dry and hot spell and has warned against the following:
- Not using fireworks under any circumstances
- Not burning any kind of waste at home or in public – this includes garden and household waste
- Dispose of your cigarettes safely – do not throw them on the floor or from car windows
- Don’t use disposable barbecues
- Be mindful of glass items that can reflect the sun’s rays
Insurance group helping customers whose homes have been destroyed
08:56 , Rebecca WhittakerInsurer Aviva said the group has been helping customers whose homes have been destroyed in the wildfires across the West Midlands.
The group’s chief executive, Dame Amanda Blanc, confirmed the firm has been working overnight to help and rehouse two customers whose properties in Stourbridge were destroyed by the huge blazes ripping through the area.
Dame Amanda said: “It must be horrendous for customers who have had their homes destroyed by the fires.”
She said the group’s immediate priority has been to help find alternative accommodation for those affected.
“Our thoughts are always with impacted customers,” she added.
Fire service says 14 fire engines remain at the scene
08:48 , Rebecca WhittakerFourteen fire engines remain at the incident, West Midlands Fire Service has said, urging people to “stay away”.
The fire service said police officers are managing several cordons across the affected site, but warned some people in the area are still at risk.
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.
“Please, help us by staying away from the incident ground.”
Watch: Fires rage across West Midlands
08:40 , Rebecca WhittakerResidents told to 'stay away' from area where homes have been burnt
08:38 , Rebecca WhittakerChief fire officer Simon Tuhill of West Midlands Fire Service has told residents to “stay away” after a huge fire burnt through homes in Stourbridge.
He said in a press conference: “We understand the impact that will have on the residents and the local community. We want to reassure everyone we will do everything we can to minimise that impact and, of course, get people back into their homes.
“However, it is the case that emergency service presence here will likely run into days and that means unfortunately asking people to stay away for that period.”
Residents said they could see the flames from their bedroom
08:25 , Rebecca WhittakerA woman who was evacuated from her home in Stourbridge said she could “see the flames from our bedroom window”.
Jane Baxter told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme that “the smell is horrendous at the moment, it’s really a choking smell in the air”.
Ms Baxter, whose house backs directly onto the golf course where some of the worst damage was seen, said: “The police knocked our door and said that everyone had to be evacuated quickly because they thought the fire was changing directions, and they didn’t know which direction it was going in.
“So, it was literally grab what you need and get out.
“And within about four or five minutes, the police knocked the door again and said: ‘You really have got to get out now’.
“So, get out we did with the cat and away to go to our son’s house.”
Ms Baxter added: “Just literally 200 yards away from us, we could see the flames from our bedroom window.
“They were well above the rooftops of all the houses that had been evacuated, so you could just see the extent of it.
“It was spreading so fast and going in quite a few different directions across the fields.”
Fire service says 11 major incidents declared across UK
08:17 , Rebecca WhittakerThe chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council said the fire service is “under significant pressure” with 11 major incidents declared across the UK.
Phil Garrigan told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “It’s not just the Stourbridge incident that we’ve dealt with over the last 24 hours.
“We’ve had 11 major incidents declared across the UK – Stourbridge particularly, but Sandwell, Pershore, Stoke-on-Trent. We’ve got incidents still raging in Hampshire, in South Wales.
“It’s been a particularly difficult, busy period for the fire and rescue service, where we’ve been under significant pressure.
“Firefighters have been on the front line of climate change for a number of years. They’re doing their absolute best to protect communities and properties.”
Asked whether people were being encouraged on social media to start fires, Mr Garrigan said: “If people are encouraged to, and when people take those kind of directions and start fires, and those fires have an impact that they’ve had in West Midlands – then the individuals who have caused those fires will find themselves behind bars.
“I would be certainly discouraging them from taking any action and following any direction from anyone online, or anyone else for that matter.”
Councillor describes 'apocalyptic' scenes
08:16 , Rebecca WhittakerCouncillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town on Dudley Borough Council, described the scene of the fire in Stourbridge as “apocalyptic”.
In a statement on Facebook, he said: “The apocalyptic scenes in Norton and across Stourbridge are sadly just a taste of what is to come if we don't act.
“Please do all you can to support the emergency services whilst they do their vital work.
“It is my view, and it has been for a while, that Dudley Councillors must have an emergency meeting about we protect our borough from the impacts of climate change.
“I want to see all parties get behind this.”
Pictured: Houses and land left burnt after wildfire
08:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
How areas across the Midlands have been hit by wildfires
07:50 , Rebecca WhittakerAreas across the West Midlands have been hit by the affects of wildfire.
- 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. The fire service said one person was treated for smoke inhalation following the incident at about 4.30pm, and about 200 homes in the area were left without power.
- In Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, another blaze hit “a small number of properties and gardens” in the Goldenhill area of the city.
- Severn Trent Water warned of disruption to water supply across the West Midlands as a result of the wildfires.
- The company said customers in Kidsgrove, near Stoke-on-Trent, may experience lower pressure and discoloured water because firefighters needed to use hydrants.
- In Warwickshire, the county’s fire and rescue service said it was responding to a “large fire” in Salford Priors, Stratford-upon-Avon, which has been declared a major incident.
- Wildfires forced the closure of the M6 northbound between junctions five and six – causing more than two hours of delays.
West Midlands fire crews are 'making progress'
07:36 , Rebecca WhittakerFire crews are making progress tackling huge blazes in the West Midlands that led to thousands of 999 calls and caused “extensive” devastation, a fire chief said.
Chief fire officer Simon Tuhill, of West Midlands Fire Service, said one huge blaze in Stourbridge, which forced some people to flee after it started tearing through homes, was “one of the most significant” incidents the region’s fire service has ever dealt with.
An update from West Midlands Fire Service on Friday morning said crews were “making progress” and “tactically working across several different areas of the site”.
Watch: Stourbridge residents scramble with buckets to douse fire hotspots
07:27 , Rebecca WhittakerICYMI: Burnham thanks emergency services over 'awful' fires
07:22 , Joe MiddletonAndy 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.”
Recap: West Midlands hit by fires on hottest day of the year
06:30 , Alex RossHuge blazes across the West Midlands led to “apocalyptic” scenes and led to thousands of 999 calls, a fire chief has said.
One of the fires, in Stourbridge, left “extensive” devastation and was “one of the most significant” incidents West Midlands Fire Service has ever dealt with.
Three members of fire service personnel and one child had been taken to hospital, while six members of the public were treated for smoke inhalation.
Many were also forced to flee after blazes tore through their homes on the UK’s hottest day of the year.
Also, 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.
And in Goldenhill area of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, emergency crews tackled a separate incident that struck "a small number of properties and gardens".
'It's hard to breathe', resident says on fire
04:30 , Alex RossResident 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.
“We have the golf course and then the cricket club between us and the fire. So, at the moment, 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.”
Warning over water supply in West Midlands
03:30 , Alex RossSevern Trent Water has warned of disruption to water supply across the West Midlands region as firefighters continue to battle wildfires.
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.
In a statement on its website about the current situation across the West Midlands, the company said: “We’re aware of the ongoing fire incidents in our region and are on site supporting emergency services as they respond.
“Our teams are assisting emergency responders and carrying out checks on our assets in the area to ensure they remain safe and operating as expected.
“We understand this will be concerning for local residents and would like to reassure customers that we are working closely with the emergency services and providing any support required.
“Some customers in the area may experience lower water pressure, no water supply or discoloured water while emergency services continue their response.”
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank customers for their patience while the incident is ongoing.”
Wildfires are 'one of the most significant' incidents regional fire service has dealt wtih
02:30 , Alex RossThe wildfires across the West Midlands have been “one of the most significant” incidents the region’s fire service has ever dealt with, chief fire officer Simon Tuhill said.
He told a press conference on Thursday evening: “This has been one of the most significant incidents that West Midlands Fire Service has ever attended.
“The devastation is extensive.
“We understand the impact that will have on the residents and the local community.
“We want to reassure everyone: we will do everything we can to minimise that and, of course, get people back into their homes.
“However, it is the case that the emergency service presence here will likely run in two days and that means, unfortunately, asking people to stay away for that period.”
Investigation begins on how fire started in Stourbridge
01:30 , Alex RossAn investigation into how the fire in Stourbridge started will be carried out, the region’s fire chief Simon Tuhill has said.
Asked by a reporter at the scene of the blaze how the fire started, he said: “At this stage, too early to say.
“Of course, we will carry out a joint investigation with police colleagues and our specialist fire investigation team.
“They will be here on scene as soon as they can to start investigating the possible cause.”
Asked by another reporter where the Stourbridge fire started, he added: “We think at this moment the fire started not in one of the homes and spread to the fields, but from the grassland and into the homes.”
In pictures: Firefighters battle flames in Stourbridge
Friday 14 August 2026 00:30 , Alex Ross
Burnham thanks emergency services over 'awful' fires
Thursday 13 August 2026 23:45 , Alex RossAndy 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.”
Public told to only call 999 'where absolutely necessary'
Thursday 13 August 2026 23:09 , Alex RossThe public should only call 999 “where absolutely necessary” as emergency services are tackling fires across the West Midlands, a police chief has said.
West Midlands Police incident commander Chief Inspector Tom Clayton told a press conference on Thursday evening: “From a police perspective, we are going to do our best, I’d like to reassure the community of Stourbridge and the wider West Midlands.
“We’re going to do our absolute best to service their business-as-usual policing needs.
“However, as you can understand, we are experiencing very, very high demand assisting our colleagues in this multi-agency response”.
Burnham kept informed on wildfires in West Midlands
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:27 , Alex RossWest Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said he had spoken to Andy Burnham, who had pledged the fire and rescue services in the region would get any additional support they requested.
Mr Parker told Sky News: “Our plan is to visit the area tomorrow to speak to some people on the ground there.
“I don’t want to get in the way of the important work going on this evening, but I want them to know they have my full support, and I’ll be working with the local authorities and others across the region to see what we can do to support them at this really difficult time.
“I would also like to convey a message to them from the prime minister, who I spoke to earlier this evening, but has asked me if the fire service on the ground needs additional support, and I’ll be speaking to the chief officer a bit later, to ask him what we can do.
Fire service in West Midlands takes 'thousands of 999 calls'
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:11 , Alex RossWest Midlands Fire Service has dealt with “thousands of 999 calls” as more than 100 firefighters battled blazes across the region, chief fire officer Simon Tuhill has said.
He told a press conference on Thursday evening: “This is a large and complex incident that has occurred on one of the hottest days of the year.
“Our fire control team have been dealing with thousands of 999 calls, whilst coordinating attendance at other operational incidents across the West Midlands.
“The tinder-dry conditions that the country and the West Midlands are facing at the moment has meant that the fire has spread rapidly, despite the hundred-plus firefighters’ best efforts who are on scene and in attendance.
“Rest assured, they are doing everything they can to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
'It's shocking' - Resident in Stourbridge reacts to fire
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:39 , Alex RossIn Stourbridge a man, who declined to be named, said: “At about two o’clock I was working from home.
“I saw smoke come down and it was already at the corner of Racecourse Lane and Norton Road. It’s shocking.”
Several homes nearby had been damaged, including two which could still be seen smouldering near the brow of a nearby hill.
What we know so far about the fires across the West Midlands
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:30 , Alex RossStourbridge
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scene of fire in Stourbridge 'apocalyptic' - local councillor says
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:20 , Alex RossCouncillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town on Dudley Borough Council, described the scene of the fire in Stourbridge as “apocalyptic”.
In a statement on Facebook, he said: “The apocalyptic scenes in Norton and across Stourbridge are sadly just a taste of what is to come if we don’t act.”
He added: “It is my view, and it has been for a while, that Dudley councillors must have an emergency meeting about we protect our borough from the impacts of climate change.”
200 homes without power in Pershore, Worcestershire
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:02 , Alex RossResidents have been evacuated after homes were damaged by fire in Pershore, Worcestershire, where around 200 properties are without power and a person has suffered smoke inhalation.
Hereford & 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 “approximately 200 properties are currently without power”, adding: “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.”
Residents use watering cans and buckets of water to dampen down smouldering fields
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:00 , Alex RossSeveral homes in Stourbridge were severely damaged by fire, with a smouldering section of adjoining fields being damped down on Thursday night by worried homeowners carrying water in buckets and watering cans.
Fire crews could also be seen hosing down hedgerows and bushes near damaged homes close to the junction with Fairways Avenue.
One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The fire came within feet of the other side of the road.
“It has been terrible for those who have had their property destroyed but it was terrifying for everyone.
“It was all the way across the fields in no time at all. It was hard to believe it was happening.”
