Sandwell community praised after fire at golf course destroys homes

A community has been praised for coming together after homes were destroyed during fires at a golf course.

Nearly 100 homes were evacuated as a second fire in as many days hit the former Brandhall golf course in Oldbury on Thursday evening (August 13).

Two homes in a nearby street were also destroyed by a blaze.

Proud local councillor Tuli Zefi said he witnessed “community spirit at its absolute best” during the fires as neighbours in Oldbury came together while homes were being evacuated and ensured “nobody was left behind.”

“I was out there supporting the evacuation, and what I witnessed was community spirit at its absolute best,” he said in a Facebook post.

“Neighbours helping neighbours, people checking on others, sharing information about who lived where, helping us identify properties that needed checking and doing everything they could to make sure nobody was left behind.

“When something like this happens, you really see what a community is made of.

“Langley showed exactly what kind of community we are — people looking out for one another when it matters most.

“Thank you to every police officer, emergency service worker, resident and member of our community who helped tonight.

“It has been a difficult and worrying evening, but the most important thing is that everyone is safe. Proud of our community tonight.”

Speaking the day after the fire, Cllr Zefi, the Reform councillor for Langley, said it was “unbelievable” to see so many people helping each other during such difficult circumstances.

“We had neighbours that don’t talk to each other who were out helping and making sure that everybody was out and everybody was safe,” he said.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in my lifetime living in that neighbourhood. Everyone came together.”

Cllr Zefi also praised police officers for stepping up while fire service colleagues dealt with a huge blaze in Stourbridge as between 30 and 40 officers helped residents evacuate their homes as the fires raged.

“With the fire service already extremely busy dealing with a major fire in Stourbridge, there was understandably a delay in getting resources to us,” Cllr Zefi said.

“In the meantime, our police officers stepped up. They worked incredibly hard to support residents, evacuate people from their homes and make sure everyone was moved to a safe location.

“Their professionalism and commitment deserve real recognition.”

A spokesperson for Sandwell Council said: “The vast majority of residents who were evacuated in the Brandhall area yesterday were allowed to return to their homes last night. Thankfully there were no casualties.

“We would like to thank the emergency services and council staff who responded and provided support to residents, and also Our Lady & St Hubert’s RC Church which kindly opened its doors to provide a place of safety and support for those affected.”