People evacuated as fire fight at Lickey Hills continues

A total of 12 crews from Hereford and Worcester, West Midlands and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Services have been fighting the serious fire at the beauty spot which broke out this afternoon (Monday July 15).

A fire began just after 1pm at Lickey Hills beauty spot. Pic by Andy Wright

Firefighters were alerted at 1.15pm to the incident which occurred in an area bordered to the south by Rose Hill, to the west by Eachway Lane and to the north and east by the B4120 and Leach Green Lane.

Video footage captured earlier by drone by Chloe Cheshire shows smoke billowing from the scene.

Initially, the fire covered around 400 square metres but this increased to around 50,000 sq m.

Fifteen people, including four children, have had to be evacuated from three properties off Eachway Lane.

West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Mercia Police have also been at the scene.

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighting was hampered by heat, humidity and the terrain as crews battled to stop the spread of the fire which was fanned by a southerly wind.”

People are being asked to stay away from the scene and Group Commander Adrian Farmer, the incident commander, said: “We would also ask people who live under the smoke plume to keep their windows and doors closed.

“We would also take the opportunity to remind people, in these exceptionally hot and dry conditions, to take special care with barbecues and any other outdoor fires.”

A tactical coordinating group, comprising representatives from the emergency services and local councils, held a meeting earlier and a further meeting maybe scheduled later this evening, if deemed necessary.