PM praises emergency services fighting Stourbridge blaze

Prime minister, Andy Burnham has praised the efforts of emergency services following a fire in Stourbridge which saw three firefighters and a child hospitalised.

Flames engulfed an area of around 40 acres - or over 20 football pitches - and, at its height, was being battled by up to 100 firefighters.

In a statement posted on X, the PM said: “[It’s] awful to see homes and communities hit by fires…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 like Richard Parker in the West Midlands 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.”

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill called the blaze 'the most challenging' fire that the service had ever dealt with.

The service said six houses were affected with residents being evacuated from their homes and placed in temporary accommodation. Including local churches and Stourbridge Town Hall.

Stourbridge MP, Cat Eccles said she has spent the evening with evacuated residents and she expressed her thanks to the emergency services for their work in difficult conditions.

She said: “As soon as I heard people were being evacuated from their homes, I went to the town hall to do whatever I could to help. I spoke to people who have lost everything in these fires, it's absolutely devastating.

“I'm thankful that there have been no serious injuries or casualties. The outpouring of support from the community has been incredible with local people, businesses and organisations pulling together to help.

Chief Fire Officer Tuhill added: “The devastation is extensive and 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.”

Network Rail has confirmed that disruption to Birmingham Snow Hill Lines will continue today and road closures on Norton Road will likely remain in place.