West Midlands Fire Service

West Midlands Fire Service Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier. We don't monitor our page 24/7. In an emergency, please call 999.
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For non-emergencies: 0845 5000 900

26/08/2026

🚨 We have 6 crews in attendance at Curbar Road, Birmingham, where they have responded to flooding. Please avoid the area, where possible.

26/08/2026

We are currently receiving numerous calls for flooding. We advise to vacate the property and to contact floodline or the water board.

26/08/2026

🌧️ Wet weather is on the way, so if you’re heading out by car, take extra care.

Rain can make roads slippery, reduce visibility and increase your stopping distance.

🚗 Slow down and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front
💡 Make sure your lights, tyres, wipers and brakes are in good condition
🌊 Take care around standing water and never drive through floodwater if you’re unsure how deep it is
🛞 Remember that your stopping distance can be significantly longer on wet roads.

Take your time, drive to the conditions and make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the weather.

This advice is particularly important for younger or less experienced drivers, who may have less experience of adapting their speed, braking and driving style to changing road conditions.

Wet roads can make a situation develop more quickly, so give yourself that little extra time to reach your destination safely.

Investigations into two fires that rapidly escalated into a major incident in Stourbridge have found that both started a...
26/08/2026

Investigations into two fires that rapidly escalated into a major incident in Stourbridge have found that both started accidentally, in fields where agricultural machinery was being used at the time.

West Midlands Fire Service was first alerted to a fire in a field near Racecourse Lane at approximately 1.27pm on Thursday 13 August 2026. A second fire began shortly afterwards in a field near Quarry Park Road/Worcester Lane.

Specialist fire investigators from West Midlands Fire Service, working alongside colleagues from West Midlands Police, have established that farming equipment was being used in the vicinity of both fields immediately before the fires were first reported. The fires were not started deliberately.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill said: "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, whether directly or indirectly, by events on 13 August in Stourbridge and beyond.

"Many people in Stourbridge face having to rebuild homes and lives and, understandably, have questions as part of that process.

“That’s why we are confirming that both fires were not started deliberately. They were accidental.

"I know that many are still struggling to comprehend the scale of damage and personal loss. I'm also acutely aware that this information will not bring those back homes, livelihoods or cherished memories.

“I remain immensely proud of the response from our firefighters, staff and officers, who worked tirelessly in incredibly challenging conditions 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 assisted on the day, and the many residents, businesses and community groups who came together to support those affected. The response to this incident showed the very best of Stourbridge and the wider West Midlands.

“While investigations continue into the full circumstances of what happened, we wanted to share this latest update as soon as possible. I hope it will go some way towards helping people understand what happened on that exceptionally hot and challenging day.”

We know they’re supposed to be working… but it’s hard not to make a fuss of two of our very important team members this ...
26/08/2026

We know they’re supposed to be working… but it’s hard not to make a fuss of two of our very important team members this . 🐾

Meet Luna (pictured on the sofa) and Holly (the black dog) - who have two very important jobs here at WMFS.👇

🐾 Luna is our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) dog. She’s trained to find people in collapsed buildings, large open spaces and other challenging environments where searching can be difficult for humans. She and her handler Kate travelled to Venezuela earlier this year to support rescue efforts after a significant earthquake.

🐾 Holly is our Fire Investigation dog, trained to detect ignitable substances and help our investigators establish how fires started. Her indications can also be used as evidence in court, helping to bring justice and closure after complex incidents.

Behind every great working dog is a great handler, and Luna and Holly are loved, looked-after and trained by Kate and Annette - as well as plenty of other WMFS colleagues who are always very happy to see them! ❤️

Happy International Dog Day to Luna and Holly - and to all the other brilliant working dogs across the emergency sector who help keep people safe. 🐶🐾

25/08/2026

🚨 We have 5 crews in attendance at Penley Grove, Birmingham, where they have responded to a fire. Please avoid the area, where possible.

🕯️ Today, we remember Sub Officer Derek Andrews 🕯️On this day in 1972, Sub Officer Derek Andrews was part of a crew who ...
25/08/2026

🕯️ Today, we remember Sub Officer Derek Andrews 🕯️

On this day in 1972, Sub Officer Derek Andrews was part of a crew who attended a severe factory fire in Tenby Street North, Birmingham.

During firefighting operations, part of the building collapsed onto Sub Officer Andrews, trapping him beneath the debris.

Sub Officer Andrews died before reaching hospital.

Derek was an outstanding officer who led his watch by example. He involved himself fully in Fire Service life, often representing his station at Brigade sporting events.

He was a popular man and his colleagues remember him for his good-natured personality and dedication to duty.

We will never forget his sacrifice.

Learn more about Derek and access our digital book of condolence on our website: https://www.wmfs.net/remembrance/derek-andrews/

24/08/2026

🚨 We have seven crews in attendance at Ermington Crescent, Birmingham, where they have responded to a fire. Please avoid the area, where possible.

We’ve had an incredibly busy spell responding to outdoor fires across the West Midlands, and while temperatures have dro...
24/08/2026

We’ve had an incredibly busy spell responding to outdoor fires across the West Midlands, and while temperatures have dropped and we’ve had some rainfall, the risk hasn’t gone away.

Our outdoor spaces remain dry, so please continue to take extra care with anything that could start a fire:

🚬 Never throw a cigarette on the ground or from a car window. Make sure it is completely out and dispose of it safely. Douse it in water if you're unsure.

🍾 Take glass bottles and other rubbish home with you if you've been outside. Glass can focus sunlight and ignite dry vegetation incredibly quickly. If you're at home, cover your glass recycling and be mindful of reflective glass items near windows at home.

🍔 Disposable barbecues are currently banned, and shouldn't be used. Don't use them anywhere right now.

🎆 Do not use fireworks - they pose huge fire risks.

Thank you to everyone who continues to follow our advice. They're often small actions but help a huge amount in preventing accidental fires, which in-turn, reduces the pressure on our crews and eases demand on our call handlers.

23/08/2026

Crews are currently dealing with an incident on Stepping Stones Road, Coventry. The fire is now under control, however the road will be closed a number of hours whilst crews damp down and make the scene safe. Please avoid the area.

Address

99 Vauxhall Road
Birmingham
B74HW

Telephone

+443300589000

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