Cause of 17-hour Washington factory fire still unknown

Emergency services were called to the Crowther Industrial Estate in Washington on the afternoon of Friday, July 31.

Flames and thick plumes of smoke were visible for miles, with 999 calls pouring in from drivers on the A1 and other major roads.

The fire visible from Sacriston, Durham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said they sent eight fire engines to the scene.

A spokesperson said: “The emergency call was received by our fire control team at 3.40pm and crews from Marley Park, Farringdon, South Shields, Gateshead, West Denton, Byker and Newcastle Central Community Fire Stations were dispatched to the scene near to Crowther Industrial Estate in Washington.

“Crews left the scene at 8.14am, once the fire had been safely extinguished.

“The cause is unconfirmed at present.”

Firefighters in Washington extinguishing the flames on Friday (Image: Ryan Atkinson/CAMERA CLUB)

At the time, the scene was cordoned off by police while firefighters tackled the flames.

The North East Ambulance Service later confirmed that no patients required treatment and there were no serious injuries reported.

Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the volume of smoke.

One woman said on social media: “Actually felt the house shake when it happened.”

Another resident said that smoke was visible as far away as Durham.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.