(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
A fire which spread from a field towards six St Helen Auckland homes is being treated as arson.
Residents used buckets and hoses to try and keep the flames at the rear of Northbridge Park away from their homes around 5.30pm on Saturday, August 8.
The flames quickly spread to nearby fences and gardens, causing damage to six people's gardens.
The fire is being treated as arson and officers are working to identify those responsible, Durham Police said.
The moment a fire destroyed six peoples gardens in St Helen Auckland
(Image: PHILIP ROLFE)
The blaze was tackled by three fire engines with firefighters using two hose reels and a fire beater.
Residents described the fire as “something out of a movie”, with flames tearing through gardens and coming dangerously close to homes.
Philip Rolfe at his home on Northbridge Park St Helens Auckland
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Philip Rolfe said his garden was “demolished, burnt to a cinder” and five other homes were damaged.
Another resident described the scene as a "disaster” and admitted: “at the height of it we were worried it was going to reach the house.”
The burnt out gardens at Northbridge Park in St Helen Auckland
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Wendy Allison said the flames were “massive” and she feared they would reach her home.
Neighbours then rallied together to stop the blaze spreading, with residents using hosepipes and buckets to protect fences and gardens.
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Wendy said: “If it wasn’t for the neighbours helping it would have got out of control.
"Everyone was helping each other around here, which definitely helped.”
Police are appealing for information as their investigation continues. Anyone who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number CRI00699674.