Two bushfires that destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge accidentally started in fields where agricultural machinery was being used, fire chiefs revealed today.
The massive fires spread across more than 500 hectares in the West Midlands on August 13, destroying a range of properties including family homes worth more than £1 million.
One firefighter was taken to hospital and another five suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation, as the fire quickly spread to residential buildings.
Some residents had to be evacuated after a further 18 homes were damaged, on top of the 19 destroyed on Britain’s hottest day of the year.
Firefighters were alerted to the first fire in a field near Racecourse Lane at 1.27pm, with a second starting shortly afterwards in a field near Quarry Park Road and Worcester Lane.
Local farmers plowed fields next to homes, preventing the fires from spreading to other nearby buildings as firefighters tried to extinguish them.
Specialist fire investigators working with police have now established that agricultural equipment was being used in the areas of both fields shortly before the fires were first reported. They also confirmed that the fires were not deliberately set.
Simon Tuhill, Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire Service, said today: ‘Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, directly or indirectly, by the events of August 13 in Stourbridge and beyond.
An aerial view of destroyed homes following the massive Stourbridge bushfires on August 21
An aerial view of the remains of a house at Brunswick Gate in Stourbridge on August 14
Smoke continues to rise from Stourbridge on August 14 following the devastating bushfires
‘Many people in Stourbridge are faced with rebuilding homes and lives and, understandably, have questions as part of that process. Therefore, we confirm that both fires were not deliberately started. They were accidental.
‘I know many are still struggling to understand the extent of the damage and personal loss. I am also fully aware that this information will not bring back those homes, livelihoods or cherished memories.
“I remain immensely proud of the response of our firefighters, staff and officers, who have worked tirelessly in incredibly challenging circumstances to protect lives and property.
‘I would also like to thank our colleagues in the police and ambulance services, members of the local farming community who helped on the day, and the many residents, businesses and community groups who came together to support those affected. The response to this incident showcased the very best of Stourbridge and the wider West Midlands.
‘While investigations into the full circumstances of what happened continue, we wanted to share this latest update as quickly as possible. I hope it will go some way to helping people understand what happened on that exceptionally hot and challenging day.”
The neighboring county of Staffordshire saw another fire destroy four homes in the Goldenhill area of Stoke-on-Trent.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said six firefighters were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion after battling fires across the county.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service said a total of 54 people have been treated by paramedics, including 19 who have been hospitalized following the fire outbreaks in the region.
A drone view of burnt-out houses on August 14 following the Stourbridge grass fire
Prime Minister Andy Burnham (centre) walks with West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker (right) as he talks to Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill (left) during a visit to Stourbridge on August 14
A fire engine stands at a burnt-out house after the fire in Stourbridge on August 14
In Stourbridge, the Prime Minister said during a visit to the town on August 14 that he had “never seen scenes like this in Britain, where you just see a whole house empty and smouldering.”
Andy Burnham revealed he had called in the military, announced a ban on disposable barbecues and said plans were being drawn up for emergency financial support for fire services battling the spread of bushfires across the country.
In a separate fire in Birmingham, a man said he saw his family home burn down in Highters Heath, with his mother ‘losing absolutely everything’ – including 100 years of family photos.
The West Midlands was under an amber warning for extreme heat for much of the day before several fires were reported.
Images of fires in the region show blackened and burnt-out buildings with collapsed roofs, as well as charred lawns.
Last week the National Fire Chiefs Council said that 1,132 bushfires have been recorded in England and Wales so far in 2026 – a record high for the number between January and this time of year.
