LARGE GRASS FIRES TACKLED IN BIRMINGHAM AND MERSEYSIDE

Fire crews tackled two large grass fires across the Midlands and North West on 20 and 21 July. West Midlands Fire Service responded to a blaze off Frankley Lane close to Bartley Green Reservoir in Birmingham, with around 16 firefighters deployed to the scene. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended a separate incident on grassland opposite Trawden Way in Litherland, where four fire engines arrived at 4.25pm. The public were warned to avoid both areas whilst emergency services worked to contain the blazes.

The Litherland fire involved grass and hay covering approximately 300 metres by 500 metres, according to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters fought the fire using beaters and hose reel jets, dividing the incident into sectors to manage the scale of the blaze. The main body of the fire was extinguished by 5.12pm, with crews continuing to check for hotspots and dampen down the area. Merseyside Police attended to assist with road closures. In Birmingham, Frankley Lane was closed by emergency services at Merritts Hill whilst crews worked to contain the fire.

Both incidents occurred amid a period of multiple grass fires across the region. Sefton Council noted that fires at Bootle's North Park and Hightown dunes in the preceding week had caused recorded fire-related deaths of natterjack toads, sand lizards, skylarks and rare plant species. The council called on residents to avoid bringing barbecues to public beaches and green spaces, citing the dry climate and the risk of fires spreading rapidly.