Fire crews attended multiple blazes as the North East experienced an evening of extremely high temperatures.
Personell from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene of three blazes which included two grass fires- one in Scotswood in Newcastle and another in Sunderland- and a fire on some rail tracks in Birtley.
The fires are now largely under control and, thankfully, nobody was injured in any of the incidents.
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Residents and businesses in that immediate area of each blaze are asked to keep your doors and windows closed because of high volumes of smoke.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) spokesperson said that these fires were a low risk to the public but have been "exacerbated" due to the extremely high temperatures.
They said: “We have had an extremely high number of calls this afternoon and into the evening reporting incidents across Tyne and Wear.
“Many of these incidents are relatively small fires that have a low risk to the public but have been exacerbated due to the extremely high temperatures. However, we have received 120 calls in less than two hours.
“We are also remain at the scene of a large grass fire in Scotswood. Six appliances have been in attendance at that incident. It is largely under control but we remain at the scene to ensure it doesn't reignite and spread to the surrounding area.
“Residents and businesses in that immediate area are asked to keep your doors and windows closed as there has been a high volume of smoke in the area. Thankfully nobody has been injured.
“Other fires include one on some rail tracks in Birtley and another grass fire at the Beacon of Light in Sunderland. Both have required a response from our crews who have brought the fires under control.
They added: “Due to the high number of calls, we are prioritising those incidents where there is an immediate risk to public safety so please be patient and we will respond if it is appropriate and in as timely a fashion as possible.
“We want to thank all of our communities for behaving responsibly during the hot weather but we would remind the public to not light fires in this weather as they can spread quickly and put people’s life at risk.
“Both our firefighters and Fire Control staff are doing a fantastic job, particularly those who are tackling fires in full fire kit in these high temperatures. Please continue to work with us and we assure you that we will be there for you if public safety is at risk.”
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