Drone images have revealed the devastating aftermath of a wildfire that came frighteningly close to homes in Tudhoe.
Firefighters were called to a field near Scargill Drive on Wednesday afternoon (August 12) after a combine harvester set ablaze.
The incident was classed as a wildfire after the flames spread to more than 10,000 square metres of farmland, with five fire engines being sent to the scene.
The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) previously said the blaze is believed to have been started by the combine as a result of a mechanical issue.
The aftermath of a wildfire in Tudhoe
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
The fire then spread to surrounding fields due to the wind and dry conditions.
And now, new drone footage has revealed the shocking aftermath of the wildfire, which has left several fields scorched in its wake.
The footage, taken by Paul Willis, shows how the blackened crops end just metres from the back gardens of a row of homes.
The aftermath of a wildfire in Tudhoe
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
This is just one of a number fire across County Durham in the last week.
County Durham firefighters dealt with more than 1,000 calls amid scorching temperatures this week, including a “significant increase” in outdoor fires.
The aftermath of a wildfire in Tudhoe
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
The Government even sent out an emergency alert on Friday evening warning millions to not light anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues and garden incinerators.
CDDFRS group manager Jon Singleton said: “We were called at 4.18pm yesterday (August 12) to a field fire near Scargill Drive in Tudhoe, Spennymoor.
“We believe the fire to have been started by a combine harvester which caught fire as a result of a mechanical issue.
“This then spread due to the surrounding fields due to the wind and dry conditions.
A combine fire in Tudhoe
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
“The fire was then classed as a wildfire because it had spread to an area of more than 10,000 square metres.
“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.”
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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.