Spate of fires in Sutton Park, 1 July 2023

Sutton Park Banners Gate, Monmouth Drive, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, UK

Shortly before 2.35pm on Saturday 1 July, we responded to a fire near the Banners Gate entrance of Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield.

A 4x4 Brigade Response Vehicle and a fire engine from Perry Barr fire station responded, crewed by eight firefighters.

Two hose reels were used to extinguish a fire affecting grassland, heathland and bushes. A second fire was located 300 metres away and also extinguished.

A third fire was then located 100 metres away, which was far greater in size, measuring 150m x 120m. Eight further fire engines and five support vehicles attended the incident.

The fire affected heathland, vegetation, grass, trees and bushes. Colleagues from West Midlands Police were also in attendance. Fire crews were assisted by drone operators from both services.

Three main jets, two extended hose reels and a portable pump were used to extinguish the fire.

Two re-visits were conducted throughout the night, with hotspots identified at 5.51am.

Crews damped down and re-visited the site at 9.05am on Sunday. No further hotspots were found, and our firefighting operations at the scene concluded.

Investigations at the scene have taken place, and it's been concluded that these fires were started deliberately.