Huge wildfire in West Midlands destroys 19 homes on UK’s hottest day of year

A huge wildfire in the West Midlands completely destroyed 19 homes after it rapidly spread to buildings during the UK’s hottest day of the year.

West Midlands Fire Service chief fire officer Simon Tuhill said firefighters were in attendance at 10 “significant” blazes across the region on Thursday, in scenes some described as “apocalyptic”.

Speaking at the scene of a fire which spread over more than 500 acres in Stourbridge, Mr Tuhill told reporters one firefighter was taken to hospital but has since been discharged, with a further five suffering minor injuries, including smoke inhalation.

Crews are still working to tackle the blaze, which has left a “significant” number of residents displaced after a further 18 homes were damaged on top of the 19 that were destroyed.

Published: 14/08/2026 by Radio NewsHub