Story perspectives

M6 Closed After Fast-Moving 40-Acre Stourbridge Grass Fire

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

West Midlands Fire Service fought a 40-acre grass fire near Stourbridge golf course, hospitalising a child and three firefighters.
About 60 firefighters responded after the blaze was reported before 1:30 pm Thursday.
Mayor Richard Parker called the regional fires “extremely worrying and fast-moving”.
The fire closed the M6 between junctions five and six for two hours.
Stourbridge town hall became a rescue centre for evacuated residents, including care-home occupants.

History

Historical Context

The 1976 European heatwave produced a 16-week drought, daily temperatures above 32 °C and a record 35.9 °C in Cheltenham, prompting 1,200 firefighters to battle 12,000 acres of grass fires and a 40-acre blaze near Stourbridge. In response, Parliament passed the Drought Act 1976 and the 1977 Fire Services Act, shaping today’s coordinated fire response.

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Story summary

West Midlands Fire Service fought a 40-acre grass fire near Stourbridge golf course, hospitalising a child and three firefighters.
About 60 firefighters responded after the blaze was reported before 1:30 pm Thursday.
Mayor Richard Parker called the regional fires “extremely worrying and fast-moving”.
The fire closed the M6 between junctions five and six for two hours.
Stourbridge town hall became a rescue centre for evacuated residents, including care-home occupants.

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