Smoke billows from gorse blaze

A huge plume of smoke billowed over homes and factories in the Black Country as fire swept through gorse dried out by the recent sunny spell.

Ashes drifting across the site started a series of smaller fires, increasing problems for fire crews called to tackle the blaze.

Firefighters fear the predicted hot summer could lead to a spate of grass and scrub fires across the region.

There has already been an increase in the number of grass fires at beauty spots in Staffordshire, including Cannock Chase.

Last night's fire raged on a 325ft section of scrubland off Highbridge Road, Netherton, for at least an hour and a half.

Crews were called to tackle the blaze near Netherton CofE Primary School at 6.30pm.

Resident Tom Richards, aged 30, spotted the smoke from his bedroom window in Rowley Regis. "The smoke was going up well into the sky so it must have been bad," said Mr Richards, of Rough Hill Drive.

Weather in the region will remain warm for the next few days, into the weekend.

Temperatures will dip slightly to a maximum of 66F (19C) tomorrow. Temperatures will top 64F (18C) on Sunday.