'There should have been more planning over wildfires'
Following a series of devastating wildfires in the West Midlands, local residents and union officials are calling for better national planning and increased investment in fire services. The fires destroyed dozens of homes, highlighting concerns over resource availability and emergency response coordination.
Why it matters
Addresses the growing concern over climate-related disaster preparedness and the adequacy of public emergency infrastructure.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock Image caption, A series of wildfires tore through the West Midlands last week, including the fire in Stourbridge which completely destroyed 19 homes
When Michael Morgan spotted flames tearing along a road in Stourbridge on the hottest day of the year, he stopped his car to ring 999.
He was shocked to find the call answered by people working for London Fire Brigade, some 100 miles away.
As thousands of people rang the West Midlands service to report lots of fires breaking out on 13 August - including the devastating Stourbridge wildfire - calls had to be diverted elsewhere.
In total, London Fire Brigade said it answered 754 calls in support of West Midlands Fire Service and Staffordshire Fire Service, as part of national arrangements.
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