A combine harvester blaze sparked a wildfire across more than 10,000 square metres of County Durham farmland.
Emergency services were called to a field near Scargill Drive in Tudhoe after a blaze broke out at 4.18pm on Wednesday (August 12).
Five fire engines were sent to the scene, with dramatic pictures showing the charred remains of a combine harvester surrounded by scorched fields.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service group manager Jon Singleton confirmed on Wednesday (August 12) evening that the incident had been declared a wildfire.
On Thursday (August 13), the fire service said the blaze is believed to have been started by the combine, which caught fire as a result of a mechanical issue.
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
The fire then spread to surrounding fields due to the wind and dry conditions.
“The fire was then classed as a wildfire because it had spread to an area of more than 10,000 square metres,” Mr Singleton said.
“Five fire engines and a water carrier attended the incident, with firefighters spending nearly five hours tackling the blaze before leaving the scene at 8.53pm.”
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
Mr Singleton said yesterday that one person had been treated by ambulance crews for smoke inhalation but that there was no need for any properties or people to be evacuated.
Read more
Travellers move off football pitch after five days... and set up camp a mile away
Police hunting for male after 'stolen' vehicle crash that injured police officer
Award-winning Indian and 'upscale' venue named as restaurant week big hitters
Fire service advice
You can prevent wildfires by taking litter home with you, never discarding cigarette ends on the ground, avoiding disposable BBQs and campfires, and not parking on dry grass or vegetation.
Wildfires can spread rapidly, putting lives, wildlife, property and our beautiful local environment at risk.
If you spot a fire, move to a place of safety and call 999, asking for the Fire & Rescue Service.
If possible, use the What3Words app to help crews locate the incident quickly.