West Midlands heatwave wildfires

In early August 2026 a series of large grassland fires erupted across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, igniting reserves such as Barr Beacon, Sheldon Country Park, Perry Hall Playing Fields and Kingfisher Park. Police blocked access to the sites and warned residents to keep windows closed. The West Midlands Fire Service deployed multiple crews and water carriers, while an arson suspect was arrested after a garden fire spread to neighbouring properties.

A few days later, on 5 August, fire crews responded to separate incidents at Sutton Park and Cannock Chase. Small woodland fires in Sutton Park were quickly extinguished, whereas a larger blaze on Cannock Chase required about 15 crews, high‑volume pumps and police support. Authorities again urged the public to keep windows shut due to smoke and warned against flying drones over emergency scenes. Both events were linked to prolonged dry weather that turned the region’s grasslands and woodlands into a tinderbox, prompting ongoing public‑safety alerts.