Cause of large woodland fire at Coundon Grange unknown

Firefighters were called to a forest at Gurney Valley, near Close House at Coundon Grange, just before midday on Saturday (August 15). 

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) sent three engines to the scene, alongside a bulk water tanker from Spennymoor Fire Station. 

An image taken by the fire service, which said the blaze was large but not a wildfire, showed the scorched aftermath of the incident, which left the woodland floor smouldering.

Crews used main hose jets to extinguish the flames before leaving the scene shortly after 2pm.

A CDDFRS spokesperson has confirmed that, while the cause of the fire is not yet known, it is not currently under investigation. 

A statement said: “We were called at 11.58am on Saturday (August 15) to a large fire in the woodland at Gurney Valley, Close House, in Bishop Auckland.

“Three fire engines from Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Peterlee Fire Stations attended, along with the bulk water tanker from Spennymoor Fire Station.

“Crews used main hose jets to extinguish the fire before leaving the scene shortly after 2pm.”

The incident was one of a spate of fires across County Durham last week. 

The region’s firefighters dealt with more than 1,000 calls amid the scorching temperatures, including battles to save homes from blazes.