Residents told to stay inside after two injured from fires raging in West Midlands

Multiple homes were evacuated and two people suffered heat and smoke effects as emergency services across the West Midlands are tackling two separate major wildfires in Stourbridge and Salford Priors.

In Stourbridge, around 60 firefighters were deployed to combat an extensive grass fire near Stourbridge golf course on Racecourse Lane, which threatened nearby homes after starting just before 1.30pm on Thursday.

Stourbridge Town Hall has been opened as a rescue centre for displaced residents, whilst drone thermal imaging showed flames spreading across local roads.

A second blaze on Tothall Lane in Salford Priors, Stratford-on-Avon, was declared a major incident by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service after spreading towards outbuildings following a 2.30pm callout. The fire service said: “On arrival crews discovered a wildfire which was spreading to nearby out-buildings. “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”.

“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”, the Warwickshire fire service said.