AN investigation is underway into the cause of a large fire on the outskirts of Darlington on Thursday evening, writes Bev Hutchinson.
An estimated 800 bales of straw were alight in the blaze on fields at Low Skerningham, on the outskirts of town.
The fire burnt out at 12pm on Friday lunchtime, almost 17 hours after the emergency services were first notified.
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Services confirmed nobody was hurt in the blaze and no buildings were damaged.
Three appliances and 14 firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Services were at the scene at the height of the blaze, which is thought to have started at about 7.30pm.
Firefighters tackling the blaze. Pictures: Bev Hutchinson
A resident who lives close to the fields said the area was “covered in ash” as a result of the fire.
Witnesses reported seeing a number of children playing on top of the bales earlier in the evening.
Firefighters were also concerned that the blaze could affect nearby power cables.
Watch manager Malcolm Woodward said: "I can't emphasise enough that bales like these are such a dangerous place for children to play."
The fire is estimated to have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
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