What we know so far about the West Midlands fires

Harrowing stories have emerged from people who had their homes destroyed by fire.

Andrew Reynolds, whose mother’s house burnt down in Highters Heath area of Birmingham, said his family had lost everything, including 100 years’ worth of family photos.

He described the scene as an “inferno” as the blaze “ripped through” the properties.

Reynolds, 42, said: “Everyone’s gutted, grieving, people have lost so much and no-one can go in to see if they can salvage anything.”

Jane Baxter, whose house backs directly on Stourbridge Golf Club, was evacuated from her home.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The police knocked our door and said that everyone had to be evacuated quickly because they thought the fire was changing directions.

“So, it was literally grab what you need and get out.

“So, get out we did with the cat and away to go to our son’s house.”

Farmers in the area tried to use tractors to make a firebreak to halt the spread of the blaze.

Daniel Pardoe, of Iverley Park Farm, said: “There was about eight of us in total with various tractors and sprayers.”

A total of 54 people were treated by paramedics, with 19 admitted to hospital, following the fires, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.