Fire chiefs in County Durham are appealing to the public to choose picnics over barbecues and campfires for days out, following a recent significant blaze at a country park. The warning comes as ground and vegetation across the North East are described as 'extremely dry' after a prolonged period of hot weather.
Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) spent nearly two hours on Saturday tackling a fire at Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street. Investigators confirmed that the incident was ignited by a disposable barbecue, prompting the urgent safety message.
In addition to avoiding barbecues, the service has specifically requested that people refrain from lighting campfires in rural areas. A spokesperson for CDDFRS emphasised the risk, stating, "We're urging you to please pack a picnic instead of a barbecue this summer and do not have campfires in the countryside."
The fire service also highlighted other potential hazards, advising that reflective items such as glass bottles should be removed from the countryside, as they can also spark fires. Furthermore, drivers are being cautioned against parking vehicles on dry grass or vegetation, as the heat from engines can easily cause these materials to ignite.
This incident follows another substantial wildfire last weekend at High Shincliffe, close to Durham University's Graham Sports Centre. That blaze, which covered an area equivalent to 14 football pitches at its peak, also required extensive intervention from fire crews, though its cause has not yet been determined.