Local farmers hailed as heroes after wildfire devastates Stourbridge
Community fundraiser setup to help farmers rebuild after blaze
Last updated 18th Aug 2026
On 13th August 2026, a wildfire spread over 500 acres of Stourbridge, fuelled by the year's hottest day and enduring drought conditions.
Racecourse Lane, Iverley Lane, and surrounding fields transformed into an inferno in hours.
As the flames approached, nine local farmers joined firefighters to protect homes, digging trenches and using tractors to create fire breaks.
Their prompt actions and bravery saved properties that might have been lost.
These farmers have worked the land for generations, with picturesque landscapes now reduced to scorched earth.
Prior to the fire, farmers were already dealing with one of the driest summers, impacting crops and livestock.
The fire compounded their challenges by destroying fencing, hedgerows, and cutting off access to land due to ongoing official investigations.
Community support is now crucial to help these farming families recover.
A GoFundMe page is in place, aiming to directly support the farmers of Stourbridge.
Funds will assist in restoring boundaries, sourcing emergency feed and water, bridging lost income during investigation constraints, and land restoration.
A Hagley resident with ties to farming is spearheading the initiative, collaborating with farmer Matthew Wilkes, who will distribute the collected funds equally among affected parties.
The original fundraising target of £2,000 has been surpassed, with hopes each farmer might receive at least £1,000.
Community generosity has extended far beyond expectations, providing significant relief.