Flames pour from fire behind Seaham Aldi supermarket

Emergency services, including police and firefighters, were called to North Railway Street in Seaham after a fire broke out just before 9pm on Friday (August 14). 

Pictures taken from the scene showed roaring flames and thick black smoke pouring from the van, which was located at the back of the supermarket, as the sun went down. 

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service group manager Jon Singleton said the fire spread to nearby properties and fencing, but the extent of the damage is not yet known.

Two fire engines were sent to the scene and left at 10.30pm.

Mr Singleton said: “The time of call was 8.47pm and it was a van fire near the Aldi in Seaham.

“Two fire engines were sent to the scene because we received a call top say that it had spread to nearby properties and fencing. We left at 10.30pm.”

Flames were spotted pouring from a fire behind Seaham’s Aldi supermarket (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

Dalton and Dawdon ward councillor Jack McGlenen said he was “saddened and extremely concerned” by the incident, which he described as a “very serious matter”. 

The cause of the blaze remains unknown at this time.

Cllr McGlenen said: “I will be contacting Cllr Chris Fairs and Cllr George Anderson to raise this with the relevant officers at Durham County Council. 

“I will also be speaking with our colleagues in Durham Police to understand what action is being taken and how we can work together to prevent incidents like this from happening again.

“Residents deserve to feel safe in their own community, and I will continue to raise these concerns and push for action. 

“I’ll keep residents updated as soon as I have further information.”

The force has been contacted for more information.