Birmingham fire crews battle major fire at Lickey Hills as heatwave rises

As the heatwave temperatures continue to soar there are reports coming in of a major fire incident at the popular Lickey Hills country park. 

Fire crews from Birmingham responded to calls of a major incident around 1:15pm this afternoon (Monday 18 July) at Rose Hill Road in Rednal.

The fire at Lickey Hills has been listed as a major incident by fire services and people are being advised to avoid the area which is a popular beauty spot.

Plumes of smoke can be seen from miles away, and motorists are being urged to use other routes as fire engines and emergency vehicles assemble around the location.

Fire crews from Northfield, Kings Norton and Woodgate Valley are currently supporting the teams already at the scene of the fire.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Service has warned people to stay away from the Lickey Hills.

A spokesman, said: “HWFRS and West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service crews are currently fighting a fire in the open in the area of Rose Hill in Rednal in the Lickey Hills.

“People are asked to stay away from the area – residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed.”

At this moment in time there is no confirmation about the cause of the fire. However, the country park had issued a public advisory notice to visitors on 15 July not to conduct barbecues inside the park due to the risk of forest fires.