More than 50 firefighters tackle wildfire in Newcastle
More than 50 firefighters are this afternoon responding to a significant wildfire in Newcastle.
Tyne and Wear fire service have 7 appliances at the site at the moment and say there will be a presence there for a while yet to make sure the blaze doesn't spread.
At 1.20pm today the Fire Control received a report of the woodland fire in the Prestwick Carr area and appliances were immediately dispatched to the scene.
By 5:30pm 10 fire appliances were at the scene with 56 firefighters, including officers, tackling a fire covering an estimated 5,000 square metres.
The sweltering weather and tinder dry conditions led to a quick spread of the fire and TWFRS are now battling to bring that under control.
Area Manager Paul Russell, overseeing the response for TWFRS, praised the crews who are working hard in challenging conditions.
He said: “The hot and dry conditions do make areas like this vulnerable to wildfires and we are working to keep the fire from spreading.
“There are no residential properties in the immediate vicinity so we don’t believe there is any risk to life or property at this time.
“However, there is a significant amount of smoke so our advice is to keep doors and windows closed if you live nearby.
“We are working with our partner agencies to manage the scene and we will be here extinguishing the fire throughout the evening
“I want to praise the response of fire control and firefighters who are working very hard, in really hot and difficult conditions, to keep communities safe.
“Please support them in their response by avoiding the area and providing us the space to bring this incident under control.”
The cause of this fire is not yet known at this time but the Service have previously offered advice to the public to prevent wildfires.
During the hot weather they have asked the public not to use disposable BBQs in open spaces, and to make sure they are fully out before placing them in a bin or leaving them unattended.
They have also asked the public not start bonfires to dispose of rubbish and do not leave rubbish, particularly glass bottles, in fields or parks.
People have also been urged not to leave litter in fields as materials like glass can start fires as they magnify the sun’s rays.