County Durham fire crews get more than 1,000 calls amid heatwave

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service faced a huge surge of incidents during the heatwave this week, including a “significant increase” in outdoor fires. 

Many of these were classified as wildfires due to their sheer size – with one ordeal last Saturday seeing 999 crews battling to save homes at Northbridge Park in St Helen Auckland. 

Crews also had to tackle a combine harvester blaze in Tudhoe on Wednesday, which sparked a wildfire across more than 10,000 square metres of County Durham farmland.

As well as fighting fires at home, crews were also sent to support colleagues tackling huge wildfires in Derbyshire and Cambridgeshire and have also had to deal with a range of other emergencies including serious crashes. 

Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps has praised the efforts of his firefighters, control operators and support staff who went “above and beyond” and thanked the public for their support. 

A wildfire in Tudhoe (Image: PAUL WILLIS)

He said: “I want to thank all our amazing staff for their dedication to protecting the communities during this incredibly busy time and in such challenging circumstances.

“I also want to thank the public, who have reported incidents and taken on board our safety messages during the hot weather, such as packing a picnic, not a BBQ, to help reduce the risk of a wildfire from starting.

“We are so grateful for all the kind words and support offered to our crews as they continue to protect County Durham and Darlington. It means so much.”  

Residents in St Helen Auckland described how they tried to douse the flames as a fire that was like “something out of a movie” ripped through gardens earlier this week. 

Six homes were affected after a 200 square metre field fire spread to fences, sheds and garden furniture behind properties in West Auckland. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The gardens were scorched after a field set ablaze behind their homes, with residents stepping in with buckets and hoses in a race against time. 

Philip Rolfe was enjoying a gin and tonic and nibbles when the fire started, saying the 200 square meter blaze came “dangerously close” to the houses.

“It has taken our garden completely out and five others were damaged. 

“We are lucky that our garden is a bit longer or it would have hit our homes, the way the fire was tracking on the grass, fences and bamboo lining.”

Philip added: “The heat was so intense, the gutters have partly melted with the heat, and some other homes have had their window frames melt and windows crack.”

Meanwhile, in Tudhoe, the mechanical fault of a combine harvester in a field is believed to have been the cause of another dramatic wildfire. 

Five fire engines were sent to the scene, with dramatic pictures showing the charred remains of a combine harvester surrounded by scorched fields.