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Fire crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue (HWFRS) – supported by colleagues from West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) – are currently tackling a large blaze at a popular Birmingham beauty spot.
As temperatures soared up to 35C, the blaze on Rednal Hill in Lickey Hills Country Park started just after lunchtime on Monday (18th July), with concern it could get close to neighbouring properties in Lickey Road, Leach Green Lane and Eachway Lane.
Crews from Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Worcester and Redditch HWFRS Fire Stations are being supported by WMFS crews from Northfield, Kings Norton and Woodgate in attempts to bring the fire under control.
The fire – in an area bordered by Rose Hill, Eachway Lane, Lickey Road and Leach Green Lane – initially covered around around 400 square metres but this eventually increased to around 50,000 sq m.
Firefighting was hampered by heat, humidity and the terrain as crews battled to stop the spread of the fire which was fanned by a southerly wind.
Fifteen people, including four children, had to be evacuated from three properties off Eachway Lane.
West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Mercia Police were also in attendance.
People are being asked to stay away from the scene.
“We would also ask people who live under the smoke plume to keep their windows and doors closed,” said Group Commander Adrian Farmer, who is the incident commander.
“We would also take the opportunity to remind people, in these exceptionally hot and dry conditions, to take special care with barbecues and any other outdoor fires.”
@b31voices Lickey Hills on fire – #dronefootage#dronevideo #fire #lickeyhills#lickeyhillscountrypark #Birmingham #BirminghamUK #worcWorcestershire #B31Voices ♬ original sound B31Voices
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