Over the weekend, there was an unprecedented number of calls due to the heat wave, many of which linked to fires in the open. On Saturday 12 July 2025 at 5.40pm, crews were called out to a large fire in the open at Linehouse Lane, near Bromsgrove. The incident involved 80 acres of standing crop, a tractor, and a stable block, plus one container used to store approximately 30 tonnes of hay bales. A major incident was declared. Twelve appliances from across the two counties attended the scene, supported by colleagues from West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Ambulance. Five tractors with ploughs were used to create fire breaks. Due to the number of calls associated with this incident Operation Willowbeck was initiated by Fire Control, to enable other Fire Services to assist with taking 999 calls not relating to this incident. Firefighters and Fire Control worked tirelessly to deal with this incident, with crews working to tackle the blaze and bring it under control, with the support of local farmers who helped create the fire break.
Fifty nearby houses were evacuated, with residents being moved to a rest centre and safely returned home that evening.
We are pleased to report that no injuries were reported.
We want to reassure the public that we do not believe this fire was deliberate and arson is not suspected.
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you to stay safe, and to call 999 immediately if you see any signs of fire. For more information: https://www.hwfire.org.uk/advice/countryside-safety/
Images and drone footage from the incident https://youtu.be/lOXLEcA3TBM