Firefighters have been tackling a huge fire at a North East timber yard this evening. (Thursday, September15)
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were called to Jewson at Stargate roundabout in Ryton just before 7pm.
Black smoke billowed out of the woodyard across the A695, which runs between Blaydon and Hexham, and could be seen for miles around.
To get more stories direct to your email basket go here
Eyewitness Peter Driver, from Greenside, said: "The thick smoke could be seen from miles away.
"We first saw it from West Denton while on our way home to Greenside, Ryton.
"The smoke was thick and smelled really bad, like there was multiple items on fire. "There were a few bangs and cracks it sounded like there were a few small explosions coming from the roaring fire.
"The smoke was intermittently covering the bypass and drivers were finding it difficult to get through the smoke."
It is understood four fire engines were sent to tackle the fire, which is now under control.
Read next:
- County Durham mum's double heartbreak after children, 17 and 21, take their own lives
- North East corner shop keeps licence after claims it sold alcohol and vapes to kids
- Man 'traumatised' after being sexually assaulted by walking partner in hotel room
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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