Pictures have revealed the charred aftermath of a County Durham wildfire that spread to the size of 14 football pitches.
Firefighters were called to the huge blaze in High Shincliffe, near Durham University's Graham Sports Centre and the Rose Tree Inn, at 2.14pm on Sunday (July 12).
Strong winds caused the field fire to spread rapidly, with the blaze covering an area more than 100,000 square metres, meaning it was officially classed as a wildfire.
The fire service - which received 64 calls about the incident - used two high pressure hose reels and five fire beaters to extinguish the blaze in around two hours.
No buildings were involved in the fire and no rescues had to be made.
Pictures taken yesterday showed flames pouring from the field as people watched on from the pub nearby, with smoke being seen from the incident in Durham City Centre.
New pictures taken today show the scorched aftermath, with the field now blackened as a result of the ferocious fire.
The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said crews have been unable to determine cause of the fire.
A CDDFRS spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.18pm yesterday (July 12) to a large field fire on Bent House Lane, close to Durham University’s Graham Sports Centre.
“Four fire engines from Durham, Wheatley Hill, Newton Aycliffe and High Handenhold Fire Stations attended.
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“The strong wind caused the fire to spread rapidly, with the blaze covering an area the size of 14 football pitches.
“We class a wildfire as any area in excess of 100,000 square metres, which this was.
“Firefighters used two high pressure hose reels and five fire beaters to extinguish the blaze in around two hours.
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