Two fires that destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge were started accidentally in a field where agricultural machinery was being used, West Midlands Fire Service said.
Firefighters responded to reports of a fire in a field near Racecourse Lane at approximately 1.27pm on 13 August, while a second fire began shortly afterwards in a field near Quarry Park Road/Worcester Lane.
Nineteen homes were destroyed while 13 properties were partially damaged in the blaze that affected more than 500 acres. A major incident was declared by the fire service, with one firefighter taken to hospital and a further five suffering minor injuries, including smoke inhalation.
Specialist fire investigators from West Midlands Fire Service, working alongside colleagues from West Midlands Police, have established that farming equipment was being used in the vicinity of both fields immediately before the fires were first reported, the fire service said.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, whether directly or indirectly, by events on 13 August in Stourbridge and beyond.
“Many people in Stourbridge face having to rebuild homes and lives and, understandably, have questions as part of that process.
“That’s why we are confirming that both fires were not started deliberately. They were accidental.
“I know that many are still struggling to comprehend the scale of damage and personal loss. I’m also acutely aware that this information will not bring those back homes, livelihoods or cherished memories.
“I remain immensely proud of the response from our firefighters, staff and officers, who worked tirelessly in incredibly challenging conditions to protect lives and property.
“I would also like to thank our colleagues in the police and ambulance services, members of the local farming community who assisted on the day, and the many residents, businesses and community groups who came together to support those affected. The response to this incident showed the very best of Stourbridge and the wider West Midlands.
“While investigations continue into the full circumstances of what happened, we wanted to share this latest update as soon as possible. I hope it will go some way towards helping people understand what happened on that exceptionally hot and challenging day.”
West Midlands Fire Service declared a major incident on August 13 as a wildfire spread across more than 500 acres and destroyed the 19 homes.
It was one of several blazes to ravage the UK that week as temperatures soared.
On August 14, millions of people in England and Wales received an alert on their mobile devices warning them of a “very high risk of wildfires nationally”.
It came after Prime Minister Andy Burnham described Britain as a “tinderbox” and a temporary ban on disposable barbecues was put in place.
