Overview
- Emergency crews tackled large fires that burned across Birmingham on Sunday, with confirmed blazes at Perry Hall Playing Fields, Barr Beacon nature reserve and Kingfisher Park in Hay Mills.
- Firefighters reported six crews at Perry Hall where the blaze was later extinguished and crews were damping down while the park remained open on parts not affected.
- West Midlands Fire Service said eight crews were at the active Barr Beacon fire and Beacon Road was closed both ways as police blocked park entrances to keep the public away.
- Video and drone footage showed heavy smoke and flames at Kingfisher Park in Hay Mills, where the fire is believed to have started around 4pm and officers directed people to avoid the area.
- Officials linked the spate of fires to prolonged dry weather and warned of smoke health risks, and emergency services said the drought-driven conditions are increasing wildfire risk and putting extra pressure on local resources.