Will wet weather bring welcome relief after 'tinderbox' wildfires?
Communities are joining forces to raises tens of thousands of pounds for fire victims after a disastrous fortnight
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) is the latest to release an aerial photograph of the devastating and spreading flames and smoke that struck Norton in Stourbridge.
Police helicopter and plane crews played a vital role in supporting emergency services during the major wildfire incident on August 13 providing critical intelligence from the air that helped coordinate and support the multi-agency response to the disaster by spotting potential flashpoints, properties at risk and attempts to breach safety cordons.
The incident escalated rapidly and saw homeowners running for their lives as a large wildfire spread across farmland, woodland at Stourbridge Golf Course, Racecourse Lane, Worcester Lane, Quarry Park Road, Norton Road, Mount Rose Drive, Ounty John Lane, Melrose Drive and Brunswick Gate. Numerous properties were evacuated as around 100 firefighters and support crews tackled the blazes.
Using the aircrafts' thermal imaging cameras the crews were crucially able to identify hotspots and areas of residual heat in adjoining properties, helping fire crews target lingering risks and prevent further spread. Throughout the incident NPAS normally based at Birmingham , East Midlands and Gloucester airports worked alongside police, fire and other partner agencies to provide a shared operational picture with refuelling carried out at Halfpenny Green Airport near Wolverhampton.
As the blazes told hold in the dry conditions 19 homes were completely gutted, three firefighters and one child were taken to hospital while six other members of the public were treated at the scene for the effects of smoke inhalation. Hundreds of residents have been affected prompting a massive outpouring of support from the community with goods and tens of thousands of pounds being donated to help them.
Three homes were also gutted in Stonehouse Avenue and Harry Perks Street, in Willenhall, on the same day, prompting more repeatedly calls for everyone to be vigilant during the hot spell.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham who visited the region to meet emergency workers in Stourbridge described Britain as a “tinderbox”.
However, just over two weeks later temperatures have cooled and thunderstorms have been rolling across the region over the weekend resulting in heavy rain, meaning the risk of flooding is high. Homes and roads have been flooded with families in Perry Beeches, Great Barr, among the worst affected after debris in a brook caused it to breach its banks.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Rich Williams said: “Heavy rain and flooding can cause some challenging road conditions and it is important that people do not drive through flood water as it can put you and others in danger as well as causing damage to your car.
“It is sometimes difficult to tell how deep water on the road is, so don’t take the risk of driving through it.
“If flooding begins to affect your property, make sure to turn off your gas and electricity supply if it is safe to do so and disconnect any equipment that uses water such as washing machines and dishwashers.
“If there is a risk to life always call 999.”
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