The “apocalyptic scenes” caused by huge blazes in the West Midlands have led to thousands of 999 calls on the UK’s hottest day of the year, a fire chief has said.
Chief fire officer Simon Tuhill, of West Midlands Fire Service, said one huge blaze in Stourbridge, which forced some people to flee after it started tearing through homes, left “extensive” devastation – adding that it was “one of the most significant” incidents the region’s fire service has ever dealt with.
Mr Tuhill said he had been in touch with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who released a statement shortly afterwards to pay tribute to the firefighters on the ground battling the wildfires.
The Prime Minister said: “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.
“I’m in touch with local leaders (including West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker) 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 tonight.”
Nathan Hudson, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, said six people were treated by crews at the scene in the town, with two taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.
Andy Burnham has pledged to support fire and rescue services in the region with any additional resources they need, the county’s mayor Richard Parker told Sky News.
Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for housing, communities and local Government said: “We are working closely with the local Fire and Rescue Service and partners on the ground in Stourbridge and are being regularly updated.
‘Apocalyptic scenes’ as huge fires begin tearing through homes in West Midlands
Stormont ministers call on Andy Burnham to deliver ‘fair funding’ for NI
Do not treat customers like a blank cheque, Burnham warns water companies
Discover a hidden island paradise in the Indian Ocean
“I would like to thank the brave emergency services, and my thoughts are with people who have been forced to leave their homes.”
