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'Apocalyptic scenes' as fires hits West Midlands homes
🇮🇪 Ireland /Disasters & Emergencies

'Apocalyptic scenes' as fires hits West Midlands homes

From RTÉ News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Thousands of emergency calls were made as huge fires swept through homes in the West Midlands during the UK's hottest day.
  • Firefighters battled "apocalyptic scenes" with over 100 personnel responding to a major blaze in Stourbridge.
  • The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with those affected and praised the efforts of emergency services working in difficult conditions.

The UK's hottest day of the year triggered "apocalyptic scenes" as massive blazes tore through homes in the West Midlands, prompting thousands of emergency calls. West Midlands Fire Service Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill described one significant fire in Stourbridge as "one of the most significant" incidents the region's fire service has ever encountered, forcing some residents to flee their homes.

Awful to see homes and communities hit by fires across the country tonight as the heatwave continues.

— Andy BurnhamUK Prime Minister, reacting to the fires.

Over 100 firefighters were deployed to the Stourbridge blaze, which is believed to have originated in grasslands before spreading rapidly to nearby houses. The fire service is launching a joint investigation with police to determine the cause of the fire. "We will carry out a joint investigation with police colleagues and our specialist fire investigation team," Tuhill stated.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged the "awful" scenes, expressing his thoughts for those affected, including those injured or displaced, and the firefighters hospitalized while battling the wildfires. "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," the Prime Minister added, confirming he was in contact with local leaders and emergency services.

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.

— Andy BurnhamPraising the work of emergency services during the wildfires.

Ambulance services treated six people at the Stourbridge scene, with two requiring hospitalization for smoke inhalation. Local leaders, including West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, pledged support for the fire and rescue services. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner confirmed close collaboration with the local fire service and partners on the ground, commending the bravery of emergency responders. Temperatures reached 38.1C in London, with highs of 34C expected in the southeast, though little rain is forecast for the Midlands over the weekend.

Of course, we will carry out a joint investigation with police colleagues and our specialist fire investigation team.

— Simon TuhillChief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire Service, on the investigation into the fire's cause.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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