Birmingham area hit by multiple grassland fires amid heatwave

A series of large grassland fires broke out across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands on August 2‑3, 2026. Fires engulfed the Barr Beacon nature reserve in Great Barr, Sheldon Country Park near Mapledene Primary School, Perry Hall Playing Fields in Perry Barr, and Kingfisher Park in Hay Mills. Police blocked several road entrances to the reserves and urged residents to keep windows closed and avoid the areas. West Midlands Fire Service deployed eight to ten fire crews, including water carriers, to tackle the blazes, which were fueled by a prolonged drought and scorching temperatures.

In a related incident, a 62‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of arson after a garden fire in West Heath spread to neighbouring properties. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents, and authorities continue to investigate the causes while warning the public to stay clear of the affected sites.