Storm Darragh: Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control Handle Over 700 Calls

During a 27-hour period through Storm Darragh, Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control Operators handled an extraordinary 723 weather-related calls, showcasing their skill and resilience under immense pressure.

Between 6am on Saturday 7 December, and 10am on Sunday 8 December, firefighters across 38 stations in the West Midlands attended 122 weather-related incidents. These ranged from road collisions to emergencies involving fallen trees and debris.

Fire Control Operators worked diligently to prioritise the most serious incidents, ensuring rapid responses while offering essential advice to other callers.

Away from the storm, one notable incident occurred in Shard End, Birmingham, where crews from Ward End, Erdington, and Billesley stations safely rescued two adults, five dogs, and two parrots from an accidental house fire overnight.

Area Commander Martin Ward-White praised the team, saying: “This was an exceptionally busy period for everyone at WMFS, and I’m incredibly proud of the professionalism and hard work demonstrated by our Fire Control Operators, firefighters, and specialist teams.

“I extend my thanks to the Technical Rescue Team, Incident Room staff, and on-duty officers who supported operations during the storm.

“A final thank you must go to fire control operators nationwide, who ably supported Staffordshire and West Midlands Control during busy periods. This allowed us to reach people who needed us most and we’re grateful for their support.”

A weather warning for strong winds remains in effect until 6pm on Sunday 8 December. WMFS urges the public to exercise extreme caution, especially while driving in challenging conditions. For non-urgent issues involving fallen trees obstructing pathways, roads, or signage, members of the public are encouraged to contact their local authorities via this link. By doing so, we can focus on life-threatening emergencies as the challenging weather conditions persist.