Field fire rips through gardens in St Helen Auckland

Firefighters were called to Northbridge Park, in St Helen Auckland, at around 5.30pm, on Saturday, after a blaze broke out on a large field behind the homes.

The 200 square metre blaze destroyed fences, sheds and garden furniture with six properties impacted.

Six homes were affected after a 200 square metre field fire spread to fences, sheds and garden furniture behind properties in West Auckland. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Three fire engines attended as crews worked to bring the flames under control.

The crews remained at the scene until around 8pm.

Six homes were affected after a 200 square metre field fire spread to fences, sheds and garden furniture behind properties in West Auckland. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Six homes were affected after a 200 square metre field fire spread to fences, sheds and garden furniture behind properties in West Auckland. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Six homes were affected after a 200 square metre field fire spread to fences, sheds and garden furniture behind properties in West Auckland. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Six homes were affected after a 200 square metre field fire spread to fences, sheds and garden furniture behind properties in West Auckland. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Six homes were affected after a 200 square metre field fire spread to fences, sheds and garden furniture behind properties in West Auckland. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Six homes were affected after a 200 square metre field fire spread to fences, sheds and garden furniture behind properties in West Auckland. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service group duty manager, Jon Singleton, said it was a "very, very busy day for crews".

Mr Singleton described yesterday as "unprecedented" for the brigade due to wildfires and welcomed today's rain.

At the height of the day, the service said it had only two spare engines across the county.