Tyne And Wear Fire And Rescue Service Firefighters And Fire Control Staff Praised For Saving Homes From Wildfire

Firefighters have been praised for saving dozens of homes after a huge grassland fire in Newcastle threatened to spread into a village.

Just after 3 pm on Thursday, 11th August, 2022, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) received a call about a grass fire in Walbottle.

Deploy resources fast

TWFRS Fire Control staff was quick to deploy resources and within minutes the first appliances had arrived on scene. It was evident the fire was growing and spreading rapidly, with more than 30 firefighters deployed to tackle the blaze.

The TWFRS Fire Control staff battled to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby homes

In hot and arduous conditions, the TWFRS Fire Control staff battled to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby homes, as police evacuated a small number of residents as a precaution.

Fortunately, firefighters were able to stop the fire from reaching the domestic properties in the nick of time – with garden fences, decking and some out-buildings becoming involved in the fire.

Fire Control staff praised for quick action

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Manager, Richie Rickaby has praised firefighters, Fire Control staff and emergency service partners, for their efforts in saving lives and property.

Richie Rickaby said, “This has been a very challenging week with wildfires taking place across Tyne and Wear that have required a significant response, placing immense pressure on our resources. Last night we had significant fires in Greenside and in Walbottle that required significant responses, with many smaller fires taking place elsewhere.”

Fire rescue staff control fire in Walbottle

The fire in Walbottle was a particularly concerning incident, as the wind was blowing the flames towards residential properties"

He adds, “The fire in Walbottle was a particularly concerning incident, as the wind was blowing the flames towards nearby residential properties. Residents had to be evacuated from their homes, as a precaution and there were concerns that their properties would be engulfed by the fire.”

Richie Rickaby continues, “However, thanks to the incredible work of Fire Control, our firefighters and our emergency service partners, we were able to get the flames under control, in the nick of time and support those residents at risk. I want to personally thank everyone who was involved, and thank the community for their co-operation with emergency services.”

Hot weather conditions the cause of fire

He adds, “It must have been an incredibly scary time and we are glad that they have been able to safely return to their homes. The hot weather will continue and we are appealing for the continued support of the public in the coming days. Please remain vigilant, avoid lighting fire or having barbecues in vulnerable areas, and please dispose of cigarettes carefully. By working together, we can reduce incidents, ensure our firefighters and fire control staff is available and ultimately, save lives.”

Firefighters remain at the fire breakout site in Walbottle and the cause of the fire is unlikely to ever be established. An amber weather warning issued by the UK Met Office is in place in the region until 6 pm, on Saturday, 13th August, 2022.