Two fires which destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge were started accidentally

Two fires which destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge were started accidentally, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has said.

The blazes began earlier this month in fields where agricultural machinery was being used.

WMFS was first alerted to a blaze in a field near Racecourse Lane at about 1.27pm on 13 August.

A second fire began shortly afterwards in a field near Quarry Park Road/Worcester Lane.

The blazes destroyed 19 homes as flames spread across more than 500 acres.

Read more: How wildfire threat in UK is escalating dramatically

An investigation has established farming equipment was being used in the vicinity of both fields immediately before the fires were first reported, the fire service said.

It would not confirm what type of machinery was being used.

WMFS 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."

An investigation into the fires is ongoing, Mr Tuhill added, but the blaze came as the UK saw its busiest ever year for wildfires.

Higher-than-average temperatures from May onwards and little-to-no rain have left the country more prone to blazes, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

From 1 January to 16 August, the council noted that fire and rescue services in England and Wales responded to 1,132 wildfires - more than the 1,017 total across the whole of 2025.

See more from Sky News:
Wall of mud and water destroys buildings in Himalayan valley
Thunderstorms ahead - but what's expected this autumn?

Stourbridge residents were forced to flee their homes at the time, with one telling Sky News they only found out when someone knocked on their door and told them to evacuate.

"My wife and I picked up the dog and got out," he told Sky News, adding: "It was certainly a very worrying time.

"We were trying to keep tabs on what's going on and if our property was safe."

(c) Sky News 2026: Two fires which destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge were started accidentally