Two massive wildfires broke out on Tyneside with firefighters coming to the rescue after the blazes threatened to spread to nearby properties.
Crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were in attendance at two separate wildfires this afternoon (August 11), firstly off Dyke Heads Lane in Greenside and secondly on a field to the rear of Percy Lane in Walbottle Village.
Both blazes took place perilously close to roads and residential properties with some houses in Walbottle left with damage to fences and patios.
Read more: Dozens of firefighters tackle huge Gateshead blaze with plumes of smoke seen across Tyneside
The dramatic scenes, captured by members of the public showed terrifying infernos with smoke billowing into the air which could be seen for miles.
The fires were eventually both surrounded by approximately 4:15pm with numerous appliances dispatched to the scene of each incident as crews looked to quell the spread of the flames.
Although both blazes were eventually extinguished, there was clear extensive damage left at both sites.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We are continuing to battle a number of fires this afternoon across Tyne and Wear.
“The majority of the most challenging fires are grass fires in large stretches of field. These very dry conditions cause fire to spread rapidly.
“We have five appliances at such a fire in Walbottle and three appliances in attendance at a field fire in Greenside.
“Both of these fires are surrounded and we are working hard to extinguish them and prevent them spreading any further."
A police presence was also dispatched to the scene in Walbottle where crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service still remained into the evening.
Northumbria Police did not want to comment on the situation other than to confirm their presence which they said was "to control any crowds and ensure the safety of the public following the wildfire."
The terrifying scenes followed on from a number of blazes in the region already this week including in Ryton Willows yesterday evening where fire crews tackled another massive grass fire.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to behave responsibly especially during this time of extreme weather.
A spokesperson added: “We would continue to ask the public to behave responsibly and follow our advice to help mitigate against an increase in incidents.
“Our Fire Control are doing an amazing job with another big spike in calls. Please be patient and only call us in an emergency.
“We will prioritise calls where there is an immediate risk to person or property but will always send an appliance when it is needed.”
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