FIREFIGHTERS found themselves tackling a large barn fire involving baled hay just yards from their fire station. 

Durham Green Watch were quick to raise the alarm last night when they spotted the fire at the rear of Durham Fire Station on Lanchester Road, at 10.20pm on Tuesday. 

By midnight two appliances Durham and one from Spennymoor, along with a Targeted Response Vehicle (TRV), from Darlington on the scene. 

A bulk carrier from Spennymoor was also dispatched to the fire.

By this morning the fire was burning under control with an estimated 500 tonnes of hay still alight. 

One appliance from Consett Station remained on scene and was expected to stay there until the fire burns itself out tonight.

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo: