Homes evacuated as fires rage across cities

People have had to leave their homes after dozens of firefighters were called to a large fire that broke out in a field as well as four others across the West Midlands.

Fire crews were called to the blaze in a field next to Clayhanger Road, near Lindon Road, Walsall, shortly after 15:20 BST.

Nearby homes were evacuated at first, but residents have since been allowed to return to their homes, West Midlands Police said.

Fire crews were also called to grass fires in four other parts of the region - Sheepwash Lane in Tipton; Brownshill Green Road in Coventry; Warrens Hall Nature Reserve in Dudley and a large fire in Gildas Avenue in Kings Norton, Birmingham.

In Walsall, Lindon Road, Clayhanger Lane, Bridge Street and other nearby roads have been closed, officials said.

Transport for West Midlands said National Express bus services 8 and 10, which run through the area, have been affected. Diversions were in place and passengers were warned to expect delays.

The fire was about 200 sqm in size, according to the fire service, which added it was was affecting about half of the 70-acre field.

Eight fire crews were sent to the scene and needed to use water from the nearby canal to tackle it.

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