Stourbridge fires that destroyed 19 homes were accidental, investigators say

Two fires that destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge were started accidentally in fields where farming machinery was being used, according to the West Midlands Fire Service. The first fire began near Racecourse Lane at approximately 13:27 BST on 13 August, and a second fire started shortly after near Quarry Park Road. The blazes occurred on the hottest day of the year in the UK, with temperatures peaking at 38.1C in some areas.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill confirmed that the fires were not started deliberately. While investigations into the full circumstances continue, investigators established that farming equipment was in use near both fields immediately before the fires were reported. The fires spread rapidly through grass and woodland, affecting more than 500 acres. In addition to the 19 homes destroyed, 18 other properties were damaged. One firefighter was taken to hospital and five others suffered minor injuries.

Other fires were reported across the West Midlands on the same day, including incidents in Birmingham, Stoke on Trent, Pershore, and Willenhall. A total of 54 patients were treated by paramedics, and 19 were taken to hospital. The fire service noted that a barbecue started the fire in Stoke on Trent.

Chief Fire Officer Tuhill expressed pride in the response from the fire service, police, ambulance services, and the local farming community. Some evacuated residents, including the Bishop of Dudley, were provided support by volunteers at Stourbridge Town Hall.