00:00After three days behind cordons families in Starbridge are beginning to see what the wildfire
00:06left behind. 19 properties across five streets were completely destroyed while another 18 were
00:13severely damaged. Some neighbouring homes remarkably escaped the flames almost entirely
00:18and untouched. Dudley council says 96 evacuated houses avoided damage and 85 families have been
00:26able to return. 13 households whose properties were affected have also gone back. Others have now
00:33been shown the showers of properties they had once called home. The contrast is stark. On some
00:39streets one house remains standing while the property next door has been burned out. Residents
00:44have spoken of shock, relief and disbelief. One firefighter after 23 years of service called it
00:51a miracle that no one had died. West Berlin's fire service remains in the area with crews patrolling
00:58for hot spots and trying to prevent any re-ignition. Investigators are still working to establish how
01:04the blaze started. Support centres, counselling and emergency help remain available for families
01:11affected by the fire. Fundraising efforts have also gathered pace with money being raised to help
01:16residents rebuild their lives. For those allowed home recovery has begun. For others the damage is total.
01:24Starbridge now faces the long task of rebuilding after this disaster.
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