St John Ambulance Volunteers Support Communities Affected by West Midlands Wildfires

The wildfires affected more than 40 acres of land and prompted a significant emergency service response involving multiple agencies working together to support affected communities and keep people safe.

Working alongside partner agencies, St John Ambulance volunteers provided first aid, welfare support and reassurance to residents impacted by the incident. The response included support at two rest centres in the Stourbridge area and a rest centre in Pershore, Worcestershire.
 
 Richard Brown, County Commissioner for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said “Our crews, who have a long and well established position within the town, acted selflessly and without delay to ensure their community were supported during their time of need.”
 
Volunteers from across the West Midlands were mobilised as part of the wider multi-agency response, working alongside the emergency services, Dudley Local Authority, British Red Cross, Birmingham and Black Country Integrated Care Board and the REACT disaster and response charity. They remained on hand to assist members of the public affected by evacuations and ongoing disruption.
 
Philip McCahill, Regional On-Call Manager for St John Ambulance, said

Our volunteers are proud to support local communities during this challenging incident. Working alongside emergency services and partner agencies, we have provided first aid, reassurance and support to residents who have been displaced or affected by the wildfires. We would like to offer our sincere sympathy to all those affected and thank all those involved in the multi-agency response for their professionalism and commitment.

Hannah Foulkes, Network Lead for Dudley and Sandwell Network, said:

The response has been very much a network-wide effort, with volunteers stepping up to support affected communities with only 10 minutes’ notice.
 
“It has been a challenging and fast-moving situation, but our volunteers have responded with professionalism throughout. Our thoughts remain with the local community and those affected by the wildfire.
 
“I am incredibly proud of the volunteers who have come forward to provide continuous cover from 10pm last night, with plans to continue through the weekend.

At the rest centres, volunteers provided a reassuring presence for local residents, assessed minor health concerns, offered first aid where required and signposted people to appropriate support services.
 
Karen McKeown, County Commissioner for West Midlands County, said:

The response from volunteers within the Dudley and Sandwell Network, supported by colleagues from across the county, has been truly remarkable. I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to the wider team and to all the emergency services, organisations and volunteer agencies who have come together at such short notice.
 
“The dedication, commitment and teamwork shown by everyone involved has helped to protect the safety and wellbeing of those affected.

St John Ambulance will continue to work with partners to support communities affected by the wildfires, helping residents access first aid, welfare support and reassurance when they need it most.