Katy Hallam

A large grassland fire at Barr Beacon nature reserve in Great Barr, Walsall, prompted eight fire crews, police road closures and warnings for people to avoid the area. Separate fires broke out at Perry Hall Playing Fields and Kingfisher Park in Birmingham, with families evacuated from the former during a cycling event. The blazes occurred amid scorching temperatures, low precipitation and drought declarations across much of England and all of Wales.

Four crews from West Midlands Fire Service are battling a fire in the trees at Meriden Park in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull. The public has been urged to avoid the area while firefighters respond. Meriden Adventure Playground, which includes woodland, a lake, a children's play area, skate park and football pitch, is operated by an independent charity.