emergency services had faced “incredible pressure”
Residents forced to evacuate their homes during devastating fires in Stourbridge are beginning to return.
West Midlands Fire Service allowed some residents back on August 15 after assessing properties affected by the blaze.
Nineteen properties across five streets have been destroyed, while another 18 have suffered severe damage.
The affected streets include Brunswick Gate, Landsgate, Ounty John Lane, Quarry Park Road and Racecourse Lane.
Residents gathered to speak with fire chiefs individually before being told whether they could safely return home.
Some families discovered their properties had survived, while others found extensive damage or had lost their homes completely.
Aerial images show the devastating contrast, with some properties left standing beside neighbouring homes reduced to ruins.
The fire was among several major blazes across England and Wales as a result of extreme temperatures.
Phil Garrigan of the National Fire Chiefs Council said emergency services had faced “incredible pressure” following multiple major fires.
He said 11 major incidents occurred within 48 hours, alongside 43 new wildfires reported since Friday.
Among those returning home were the Abdullah family, who fled while preparing to celebrate 18-year-old Dominic’s A-level results.
Dominic described watching neighbouring homes burn as an experience that was difficult to put into words.
His mother said the family smelled smoke before seeing neighbours leaving their homes and realising they needed to escape.
David Price was among the residents whose home survived the fire.
However, several houses opposite his property were destroyed by the blaze.
Councillor Ed Lawrence, who oversees emergency planning at Dudley Council, said some residents returned without basic utilities.
Several homes had no electricity, gas or water, while residents also discovered food had spoiled inside their properties.
Dudley Council has sent teams to help residents clear damaged belongings and dispose of rotting food.
A council fundraiser supporting affected residents has now raised more than £25,000.
A separate fundraiser run by the Heart of England Community Foundation has raised more than £50,000.
The money is supporting families affected by fires across the West Midlands.
Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles said support remains available through the Town Hall.
Residents can access food, clothing, pet supplies, phone chargers and general assistance.
Counselling has also been made available through local professionals for both adults and children.
The RSPCA has appealed for information about cats reported missing since the fire.
The Stourbridge blaze remains under investigation, with authorities yet to establish its cause.
