A farmer who lost 14-acres of barley worth around £7,000 when a wildfire broke out used his tractor to prevent flames reaching Amazon Durham.
Robin Stevenson, who is 77, created a fire break while firefighters sprayed the burning land with water as the blaze licked its way through his crops.
He said the fire came within 100 metres of the retail giant’s 550,000 sq ft warehouse, which opened two years ago at Bowburn, near junction 61 of the A1(M).
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Tursdale House Farm, which is separated from the distribution centre by the Leamside Line, has been in Mr Stevenson’s family since 1948.
He said the crop had been planted in March and was ready to be harvested on Sunday – the day fire broke out in the corner of one his 60-acre fields.
Mr Stevenson told The Northern Echo: “It disappointing to see, especially on the day of harvesting that lovely, sweet, malted barley.
“It is now just a great big patch of burnt land, right across the field."
Mr Stevenson said: "It has been extremely worrying time and has affected all farming. We are very vulnerable and have got valuable machines parked on the farm.
"We are just over the hedge from Amazon. It came within 100 yards of their site."
Mr Stevenson, who lives at the farm with his wife Pauline, and son Ross, said around a quarter of the field, 30 tonnes of barley, was destroyed.
He said: “There is an awful lot of effort goes into producing these crops and a lot of expense. Fertiliser prices have gone through the roof.
“It is an expensive crop to grow. All crops are expensive with the loss of Ukrainian nitrogen.
“It was sown in March. It was ready the day of the fire. The combine was due to come in later in the day unfortunately.
“Without the fire brigade the whole lot would have gone. We would have lost 60 acres of barley.
“The fire brigade has been first class.”
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As well as his crops, Mr Stevenson was also worried about the 100 beef cattle he keeps on his farm.
He said: “That was one of our biggest concerns. They had seen the fire and got spooked.
“They ran away towards hedge and fences. We thought we might not be able to contain them."
The family believes the fire has been started deliberately and Durham Constabulary has confirmed an investigation is underway.
A spokeswoman said: “An investigation into the incident has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.”
Rob Cherrie, group manager with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said the fire could have the reached Amazon site.
He said: “It was a close as it a could have been. It could have reached Amazon if not for the actions of the firefighters. We had assistance from the farmer as well.
“Everything has been so dry recently that all it takes is a spark.”
Amazon has been contacted for comment.
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