On 13 August 2026, wildfire tore across 500 acres of Stourbridge, driven by the hottest day of the year and weeks of relentless drought. Racecourse Lane, Iverley Lane, and the fields beyond became an inferno within hours. And as the flames closed in, local farmers stepped up with the firefighters to stand between the fire and our homes.

While the blaze tore through their fields, these farmers hurriedly dug trenches and climbed into their tractors cultivate the land and create fire breaks, working the land to slow the flames’ path. This quick thinking and courage undoubtedly saved homes that would otherwise have been lost. They are heroes within this story, and now they need our help.

These are families who have farmed this land for generations - picturesque land that many of us walk our dogs and cycle across every day. Before the fire even started, they were already fighting one of the driest, harshest summers on record: crops stunted, grazing scorched, water scarce. Now, with fields blackened and boundaries destroyed, they face a second blow on top of the first.

Fencing and hedgerows, that take years to establish are gone, meaning livestock cannot be safely contained or grazed. Police and fire investigations into the cause of the blaze also mean some land cannot be worked or accessed until the scene is released, leaving farmers unable to trade or recover lost income in the meantime. For farming families who already run on tight margins, even a few weeks of enforced inactivity can be the difference between staying afloat and going under.

This is where we come in. Every pound raised will go directly to the farmers of Stourbridge - the same farmers who bravely fought to protect our community when it mattered most - to help them rebuild what the fire has taken, and to bridge them through the weeks of investigation and recovery ahead.

Where your money will go:

These farmers risked everything to protect us when the fire came. Now, in their hardest season yet, let’s protect them back. Please do give what you can.

Whom am I?

I am a Hagley resident who has a family history in farming. Whilst we are no longer farmers, I recognised a community of neighbours and colleagues stoically coming together this week, to help not just each other, but an entire community, and I want to give something back to them. I have been in touch with the farmer who (along with his Dad) were first on the scene. He has shared video footage from the scene for me to use - as I am unable to upload video I have taken screengrabs. Thank you for anything you can do to support this cause.