A severe wildfire near Stourbridge has destroyed at least 19 homes and injured 10 people, including three firefighters and a child, authorities reported on Thursday. The blaze, described by West Midlands Fire Service as one of the most significant incidents they have encountered, continues to affect the community.

The fire ignited in an area adjacent to a golf course, where the average property value is approximately £1 million. It has caused extensive damage, with an additional 18 homes reported as damaged alongside those destroyed. Many residents have been displaced as a result.

One local family, who had lived in their home for 20 years, confirmed the loss of their property and feared that their pets may have perished in the fire. Neighbors described the scene as resembling that of a disaster movie, with one resident calling the fire “apocalyptic” and expressing uncertainty about how the community will recover.

Emergency services remain engaged in efforts to control and extinguish the blaze amid challenging conditions. Authorities have not released information on the fire’s exact cause, but the scale and severity have underscored the urgency of the response.

West Midlands Fire Service continues to work at the site, prioritizing the safety of residents and firefighters while evaluating the broader impact on the area. The incident has drawn attention to the risks posed by wildfires even in typically residential zones.