Firefighters have issued advice in response to an amber weather warning for extreme heat this weekend, stating there is a high risk of wildfires across the area.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service warns that fires could ignite and easily spread across open grass land in hot temperatures.
The weather warning, issued by the Met Office is for temperatures in excess of 28 degrees on Sunday and into next week.
The service would like to ask the public to think twice before doing anything which involves a naked flame.
Emergency Response Group Manager Phil Innis said: “The key issues for us over the next few days are the warm, dry conditions coupled with any moderate to strong winds over the higher ground.
"Grass and heather on the ground will dry quite quickly in these conditions and when ignited can burn very fast with extreme fire intensity.
Read more: County Durham school warns parents against 'dangerous' TikTok account
"Please exercise caution outdoors to avoid fires breaking out and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."
CDDFRS would also encourage the public not to light campfires, only use barbecues in designated areas and ensure they are fully extinguished, dispose of lit cigarettes correctly and take glass bottles home.
Group Manager Innis said: “We have seen in recent years, the impact these fires have on the countryside and the wildlife that live there, it can be devastating.
“Not to mention the drain on our resources dealing with large area grass fires, takes a lot of people and a lot of time, we need to remember that our firefighters cannot be in two places at once.
“We are working with the independent charity FireStoppers with the aim to reduce deliberate fire setting, please call 0800 169 558 if you have any information regarding deliberate fires in your area.”
CDDFRS would also like to warn members of the public about the dangers of open water.
Group Manager Innis said: “There are many dangers associated with playing or swimming in open water, such as cold-water shock, not knowing the depth or strength of current and not being able to swim competently to deal with the challenges of open water, so think twice before entering rivers, lakes or coastal waters.”
Read more: Road closures for Durham City Run and where to leave the car
---
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here