ONE million litres of waste water has been removed as part of a major clean-up operation from the site of a serious haulage yard fire.

Large tankers from Northumbrian Water have been carrying out the 24/7 task at the Ramshaw Removals premises, on Swan Street, in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland.

A number of containers and light goods vehicles were engulfed in flames on Thursday during a fire which raged for eight hours.

Houses in the vicinity were evacuated and people from six households on neighbouring Newholme Crescent remain in temporary accommodation.

In a letter sent out to residents on Tuesday night, Joanne Waller, of Durham County Council, said: “All the agencies involved are working together to ensure there is a coordinated and timely response to this incident and the county council is leading this group.

"Over the coming days and weeks you may notice a number of different agencies continue to be on site and in the surrounding area but all of this activity is planned and coordinated and designed to understand and address the issues arising from the incident.”

A large quantity of diesel spilled out of the yard during the blaze.

However, Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency have confirmed there is no contamination to the local water supply.

The organisations, and Public Health England (PHE), will continue to monitor the site surrounding the area closely.

Those who have been forced out of their homes are currently being supported by agencies involved.

Among those unable to return home is North Star Housing Group tenant Beccy Rees-Fuller who has been offered a new home in the street.

The heartbroken mum-of-three this week spoke of her “devastation” at losing uninsured furniture damaged by diesel fumes, and having to leave the family home.

She praised the “spirit of the community” in the wake of the fire.

Echoing this, Ms Waller added: “There is a notable and commendable community spirit that we would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to.

"There have been many offers of help and support and a great deal of understanding of the actions that need to be undertaken.”

Collections boxes for those affected are in Evenwood Working Men’s Club and McColl’s while care homes and villagers are organising fundraising initiatives.

Evenwood Primary School is also holding a non-uniform day tomorrow.

Resident Judith Buckle said: “I was born and bred here and every time something bad happens the village closes ranks, supports everyone and does the best they can. It’s amazing how people pull together.”

Included in the letter to residents is advice issued as a precautionary measure last week by Public Health England which remains in place.

A firefighter who was injured in the blaze and taken to hospital is expected to return to work soon.