West Midlands firefighters battle Sutton Park and Cannock Chase blazes

West Midlands fire crews responded to two separate incidents on 5 August 2026. In Sutton Park near Boldmere Gate, several small woodland fires were spotted in the evening and were quickly extinguished by crews from Oldbury fire station, with park rangers assisting. The fires threatened nearby properties but were contained before spreading.

Later in the day a larger blaze broke out on Cannock Chase close to Coppice Hill and Brocton. About 15 fire crews, supported by water carriers, high‑volume pumps and Staffordshire Police, worked to contain the fire. Residents were urged to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke, and authorities warned against flying drones over emergency scenes after a previous incident caused confusion.

Both incidents occurred amid prolonged dry weather that has turned the region’s grasslands and woodlands into a tinderbox, prompting ongoing public safety alerts.