A SURGE in emergency calls has put services in Worcestershire and the West Midlands under pressure following major fires.
West Midlands Fire Service said the volume of 999 calls was linked to “apocalyptic scenes” during recent wildfires, and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue have urged residents not to call 999 if they smell smoke.
Worcester News has contacted Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service this morning (Friday), which has told us it is currently too busy to provide the latest update on the wildfire situation in Worcestershire.
For live updates on the wildfire situation in Worcestershire, click here.
Simon Tuhill, chief fire officer at West Midlands Fire Service, said the blaze in Stourbridge was “one of the most significant” incidents the region’s fire service has ever dealt with, which left “extensive” devastation and forced some people to flee after it started tearing through homes.
What should I do if I smell smoke?
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has only urged people who can see a fire to call 999 after being inundated with calls.
A spokesperson said: “We are currently taking numerous calls reporting sightings or the smell of smoke.
“The wind is changing direction and therefore smoke is drifting.
READ MORE: Latest on Worcestershire wildfires forced home evacuations
“We respectfully ask at this extremely busy time that you only call if you can see fire.
“If smoke is affecting you, please close windows and doors.
“Thank you for your assistance.”
The Prime Minister has praised the efforts of emergency workers, describing the situation as “awful to see homes and communities hit by fires across the country tonight as the heatwave continues.”
He said: “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.
READ MORE: Six days of rain forecast for Worcestershire after weeks of summer drought
“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.”
DESTROYED: Homes have been destroyed in Pershore following a wildfire. (Image: Newsquest)
Nathan Hudson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that six people were treated at the scene in Stourbridge, with two taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
An investigation is under way into the cause of the fire in Stourbridge.
Cooler temperatures are forecast, but little rain is expected in the Midlands over the coming days.
The fire is believed to have started in grassland before spreading to nearby properties.
