Images have been released of a ‘significant’ wildfire near a major North East airport as more than fifty firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) currently remain at the site of a large wildfire in Prestwick, Newcastle, that was reported at 1.20pm this afternoon (June 14).

More than fifty firefighters are still at the scene working to extinguish the blaze that is estimated to have spread across 5,000 square metres of woodland in Prestwick, north of Newcastle International Airport.

Read more: Newcastle Airport wildfire LIVE: Fifty firefighters continue to battle blaze

The Northern Echo: Images from the scene in Prestwick.

Reports say that hot weather and dry tinder conditions led to the quick spread of the fire which led to the service dispatching ten fire appliances including 56 firefighters and officers.

However, the initial cause of the fire currently remains unknown as Newcastle International Airport confirms flights are not affected by the incident.

The Northern Echo: Images from the scene in Prestwick.

Paul Russell, Area Manager for TWFRS has praised the crews fighting the flames in what has been called “challenging conditions”.

He said: “I want to praise the response of fire control and firefighters who are working very hard, in really hot and difficult conditions, to keep communities safe.

The Northern Echo: Images from the scene in Prestwick.

“Please support them in their response by avoiding the area and providing us the space to bring this incident under control.”

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The Northern Echo: Images from the scene in Prestwick.

Since the fire broke out, authorities have urged nearby residents to keep all doors and windows closed and avoid the area as images show smoke rising from large portions of the woods.

The Northern Echo: Images from the scene in Prestwick.

The Northern Echo: Images from the scene in Prestwick.