Beamish Museum has suspended its steam train operations after the Government issued a national alert amid a surge in heatwave wildfires.
The County Durham visitor attraction said it would be scrapping the steam train this weekend (August 15 and 16) in response to the wildfire risk.
It has also asked people to refrain from smoking on site and asking visitors to not undertake any activity that could potentially spark a fire.
It comes after County Durham firefighters dealt with more than 1,000 calls amid scorching temperatures this week, including battles to save homes from blazes.
The Government sent out an emergency alert on Friday evening from 7pm warning millions to not light anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues and garden incinerators.
Beamish Museum in County Durham has reopened Rowley Station for the first time since 2020, marking
(Image: Beamish)
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told members of the public to take the warning “seriously”, and said it was triggered at the request of firefighters.
The alert read: “There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally.
“Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks.
“Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.
The Government alert
(Image: Annabel Lee-Ellis)
“Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999.”
Friday was provisionally a record-breaking 10th day in 2026 where temperatures have exceeded 35C or more, according to the Met Office.
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 flames 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.
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.
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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.”