FIREFIGHTERS spent several hours tackling a major rubber fire which left a pall of smoke hanging over a dale community.


A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fire were alerted to a large fire at at Broadwood Quarry, near Frosterley, in  Weardale, at 9.10pm on Sunday.

“The crew got there and confirmed it was a 10 square metre pile of rubber that was on fire. 
“It included a quantity of tyres.”

The Northern Echo:

She added: “It created a thick black plume of smoke and at one point residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure.

“We dispatched appliances from Crook, High Handenhold, near Stanle, Durham and Stanhope. They were all in attendance throughout the night. 

“The last fire engine left the scene at 6.40am on Monday.”

A crew later attended the scene to inspect the site with the the quarry owner.