Walsall community centre opens doors for evacuated residents during fires

A Willenhall community centre was asked to become a refuge hub after two fires saw several homes destroyed and residents evacuated.

West Midlands Fire Service attended two fires in Stonehouse Avenue and Harry Perks Street on Thursday, August 13. The cause of the fires remains unconfirmed.

Willenhall Chart Centre was asked to open its doors as a refuge centre when residents living near to the fires were evacuated from their homes.

Treasurer at the centre, Wayne Palmer, said: “We are a dedicated rest centre as part of the council’s emergency planning team. They said we need to keep the building open as there was about 70 plus residents that could be coming down to us due to the fires.

“They had to turn off the electricity in one street and they were evacuating. They were looking to evacuate the next street with the view of having to turn off their electricity as well.

“It wasn’t just a small fire that had got out of control. It had affected several properties and took down three or four bungalows.

“The community helped rally around to help dampen some of the areas to stop the fire spreading.

“People have gone through a lot of turmoil. There are families who have been affected and some people have lost their homes, they don’t know what’s going to happen.

“Many people have offered to help. One lady offered bedding, blankets and sheets for people. People have lost such a lot of things and they’ve got nothing apart from the clothes on their back. The community do pull together.

“One person said it all: ‘not all heroes wear capes’. That just sums it all up. Whether you tried to dampen the fire, whether you offered blankets, refuge, or a cup of tea and someone to chat to. ‘Not all heroes wear capes’ captures that as a whole.”

Wayne added that the people of Willenhall are always quick to help when others are in need.

He said: “I think from my perspective, if there’s an ask or a requirement, the community in Willenhall will generally put their hand in their pocket straight away.

“Maybe I’m biased as that’s the community I work in but there’s always somebody round the corner who can help and comes forward.

“Willenhall Chart Centre is the anchor of the community and if there is a need or there’s any support that can be given over the coming days or weeks, please get in touch with the centre directly.”

West Midlands Fire Service has been approached for statement.

A spokesperson from Walsall Council said: “The council deployed two forward liaison officers to the scene to assist emergency services with their requests, and support the residents with a rest centre, due to the evacuations.

“The council’s building control officer also attended the scene and facilitated the boarding up of a front door that was fire damaged. The council also put on road closures to alleviate the police from carrying out that role, therefore freeing them up to undertake other duties.

“West Midlands Fire Service is urging residents to take extra care during the current hot and dry conditions to help prevent further fires. Residents are encouraged to continue following advice from emergency services and partner agencies, and to remain vigilant during the current spell of hot weather.”