Wildfires destroy homes in England's West Midlands on hottest day of year

Stourbridge blaze

An extensive grass fire near Stourbridge golf course, first reported to West Midlands Fire Service just before 1:30pm on Thursday, spread to neighbouring homes and affected six properties. About 60 firefighters were initially deployed, a number that later rose to more than 100 as the blaze covered an estimated 16 hectares (40 acres) of land including woodland. The fire spread across Ounty John Lane, Racecourse Lane and Stourbridge Road, with flames crossing roads in places. Local rail services were halted for safety reasons and nearby properties experienced power issues. Stourbridge town hall was set up as a rescue centre, with transport arranged for those unable to leave on their own. Care home residents were also evacuated, according to local councillor Andrew Southall.

Simon Tuhill, chief fire officer at West Midlands Fire Service, described the devastation as "extensive" and called it "one of the most significant" incidents the service has ever dealt with. The blaze prompted thousands of 999 calls across the West Midlands.

Resident Phillip Jones, who lives close to the fire, told Sky News he noticed smoke at about one o'clock and it grew thicker throughout the afternoon.

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.

Casualties and hospitalisations

Two people were treated at the scene for the effects of heat and smoke. Nathan Hudson of West Midlands Ambulance Service said six members of the public were treated by crews, with two taken to hospital. Separately, West Midlands Fire Service said a child and three firefighters were taken to hospital. Councillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town on Dudley Borough Council, described the scene as "apocalyptic."

Second fire at Stratford-upon-Avon

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 2:30pm to reports of a large plume of smoke on Tothall Lane in Salford Priors, near Stratford-upon-Avon. The service declared a "major incident," giving it powers to call in resources from neighbouring areas. The fire appeared to have spread from grassland to houses, with pictures from the area suggesting homes were burning. Residents were advised to close all doors and windows. Smoke from nearby wildfires also forced the closure of the M6 northbound between junctions five and six, causing more than two hours of delays. National Highways West Midlands said the fire kept reigniting and the fire commander was not satisfied the road could reopen safely. The road later reopened but motorists faced six miles of congestion.

Record heat and wildfire totals

The Met Office recorded 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in west London, the highest temperature of the year, with 38°C recorded at Pershore in Worcestershire. Forty locations across central and southern England recorded temperatures of 36°C or higher. An amber extreme heat warning covered much of England, including parts of the south and east and swathes of the Midlands, set to expire just before midnight. Temperatures were expected to cool slightly on Friday, with highs of 34°C in the southeast, though little rain was forecast for the Midlands over the weekend.

The National Fire Chiefs Council said on Wednesday that the 2026 total had matched the 1,017 wildfires recorded across the country in the whole of 2025. With Thursday's blazes, the 2026 figure has now surpassed that record, according to the Financial Times. Other fires were reported in Hampshire, where a large heathland fire in the New Forest had been burning since August 9, with a second fire at Hawley Lakes near Farnborough reported on Thursday. Pictures from Pershore in Worcestershire also showed houses burning after a wildfire.

Political response

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was in touch with local leaders, including West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, and would speak to emergency services on the ground.

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.

Burnham pledged to support fire and rescue services with any additional resources needed, Parker told Sky News. Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said the government was working closely with the fire service and partners on the ground in Stourbridge.