Robin and Loxie Williams, aged 82 and 78 respectively, returned home last Thursday to find firefighters battling a wildfire that ultimately destroyed their Stourbridge home. The couple had lived at the four-bedroom house on Ounty John Lane for 26 years.
The Stourbridge wildfire, which broke out just before 13:30 BST last Thursday, was one of multiple blazes across the West Midlands on the hottest day of the year so far. In Stourbridge, 19 properties across five streets were fully destroyed, and 18 others were damaged.
More than 100 firefighters tackled the flames, which spread over 500 acres, forcing residents to evacuate. The Williams, who were married for 59 years, lost virtually all their possessions and understand it may take more than two years to rebuild their home.