Emergency crews are working tirelessly to stop the spread of a forest fire in Northumberland which first went ablaze earlier this week.
The terrifying fire swept through five hectares of the Redesdale Forest near Cottonshopeburnfoot from Thursday onwards with fire crews, as well as personnel from the Forestry Commission and the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team all in attendance in the time since.
While there is still a lot of smoke in the area, the fire, for now is under control. However, the changing winds, and the hot dry weather could change this and still leaves a high risk for wildfires.
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Multiple fire appliances have been at the scene in the time since the fire started including pumps, fogging vehicles and now a helicopter which is supporting fire crews on the ground with gallons of water.
Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team also said that local farmers had been helping with water bowsers.
On Thursday, a Northumberland Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We are currently in attendance at a fire in Redesdale Forest with four pumps and two fogging vehicles.
"We are being supported by local partners who are providing water bowser and aerial drone support.
"The fire is covering an area of approximately five hectares.
"Local residents are asked to stay clear of the area and remain vigilant.
"We are experiencing more wildfires due to the prolonged period of dry, hot weather in which wildfires thrive. It is important that residents and visitors take extra care when out and about in the county."
There is currently an Amber Wildfire Alert covering the whole of Northumberland. Northumberland National Park are advising people to be responsible not light fires when in the countryside while taking the appropriate steps to reduce the likelihood of wildfires starting.
This comes after a number of grass fires in the North East already this week during this period of extreme temperatures with blazes in Walbottle in Newcastle, Greenside in Gateshead and at Ryton Willows in Gateshead.
In an update today, a Northumberland Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Fire crews remain on scene at the fire in Redesdale Forest and have been working tirelessly alongside the Forestry Commission, and local contractors to resolve this incident.
"This includes helicopter assistance which is supporting fire crews on the ground by delivering gallons of water to the fireline.
"While there is still a lot of smoke in the area, the fire, for now is under control.
"However, the changing winds, and the hot dry weather could change this and still leaves us with a high risk for wildfires. Residents and visitors are asked to do the right thing, respect our countryside, take picnics instead of BBQS, don't light campfires and always take rubbish home."
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