What we know so far about the West Midlands fires

On Thursday the UK experienced it hottest day of the year and fifth hottest day on record, as the heatwave gripped much of the country.

In the West Midlands, the highest maximum temperature was 38C in Pershore, Worcestershire, according to Met Office figures.

Speaking about the Stourbridge blaze, WMFS chief fire officer Tuhill said the “tinder dry conditions” in the UK and West Midlands had meant that “the fire has spread rapidly”.

WMFS urged the public to:

Dr Kerryn Little – a wildfire researcher at the University of Birmingham – says the Midlands has been hit badly because of vegetation in urban areas.

She added: “There’s a high amount of people moving around, resulting in ignitions.

“When that meets with large areas of continuous vegetation that is built up, that can lead to wildfires.”

A total of 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, according to data shared by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), which matches last year’s record.

Most fires are started by humans, whether deliberately or accidentally, but this summer’s hot and dry weather has created ideal conditions for blazes.

Repeated heatwaves have drawn extra moisture out of the soil. Combined with a lack of rainfall, this has left vegetation tinder-dry, making it easier for fires to ignite and quickly spread.

Last year saw a record area burnt by wildfires in the UK, and this summer has been far above average too.

This is consistent with expectations of a greater risk of more extreme fires due to climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions.

Some researchers also warn that the UK and Europe need to improve preparations for fires, including better management of landscapes.