Large fire hits fields as 42 firefighters prevent flames reaching A19 and houses

Emergency services first received a call at 2.40pm on Monday (August 21) about a fast-spreading fire in fields near the Downhill Interchange - just metres from the busy A19 motorway (Image: TYNE AND WEAR FIRE AND RESCUE)

Firefighters have battled a large-scale fire at fields in Sunderland - with 42 firefighters battling the incidents that nearly spread to the A19 and several houses.

Emergency services first received a call at 2.40pm on Monday (August 21) about a fast-spreading fire in fields near the Downhill Interchange - just metres from the busy A19 motorway.

Fire crews were first on the scene and discovered a field well alight just metres from a number of residential houses on Benton Avenue.

Recognising the scale of the fire, a number of further appliances were mobilised to the scene meaning a total of eight appliances, a command unit, a drone team and 42 firefighters were deployed.

The quick and substantial response meant the fire, covering the size of approximately six football pitches, or 40,000 square metres, was quickly contained and extinguished.

On Wednesday (August 23), group manager of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Dale Howey, who led the response, praised the firefighters, fire control team and support staff who delivered a fast and efficient response.

The Northern Echo: The scorched field in Sunderland

The scorched field in Sunderland (Image: TYNE AND WEAR FIRE AND RESCUE)

He said: "This was a substantial fire that covered a large area and was quickly spreading across fields, sending large plumes of smoke into the skies.

"It was important that we acted quickly and I saw first-hand the speed at which our Fire Control team, and then our firefighters, worked to surround the incident.

"Our priority was to ensure the fire didn't spread to the nearby homes, and also didn’t impact on the A19 as we approached rush hour.

The Northern Echo: Over 40 firefighters battled the incident

Over 40 firefighters battled the incident (Image: TYNE AND WEAR FIRE AND RESCUE)

“The wind direction was pushing the fire away from the properties and that allowed crews to make significant progress in bringing the fire under control.

"On another day this incident could have ended in very different circumstances and I want to thank everyone involved in the response, and the communities nearby who heeded our advice."

Story continues

Group Manager Howey added: "There has been an increase in wildfires in recent years and we will all be aware of the disastrous impact they have had across the country, and internationally, in recent weeks.

"Last summer wildfires caused significant damage to our environment here in Tyne and Wear but they can be prevented by taking some personal responsibility.

"Don't use disposable barbecues in the countryside, don't light campfires, don't carelessly discard cigarettes and make sure you pick up your rubbish, particularly glass bottles that have been known to cause fires."

Emergency services have since left the scene of the incident but, despite early enquiries, the cause of the fire remains unknown.

References

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