Day of fires across the North East sparks urgent plea from fire crews

Fires in Ryton, Sunderland and County Durham saw fire crews working to keep people and property safe through the evening

Author: Ellie KumarPublished 11th Aug 2022

There's urgent calls from both Tyne and Wear Fire and Durham Fire service to be cautious in the hot dry weather - as they dealt with several significant fires last night.

4 crews and other appliances were sent to deal with a large fire on Pelton Fell near Chester-Le-Street, which covered approximately five thousand square metres.

Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue had to put out a message asking people to bear with them, as their crews also tackled several grass fires in the area.

They also say "We would also encourage everyone to refrain from having garden fires, controlled burns or barbecues in this extreme weather."

Meanwhile a huge blaze - believed to be a grass fire - in Ryton saw five crews and a fire boat dispatched by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, which has been brought under control.

This was at the same time as 5 more appliances were sent to tackle a very large fire on allotments in Easington Lane, which destroyed the area.

The blazes have been brought under control, and investigations into what started them will be carried out.

Fire services across the country are desperately urging people to be careful, and avoid things like barbecues on the "tinder dry" ground.

We're also being warned about things like broken glass or abandoned bottles which can start accidental fires.

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