The fire service has issued a warning about how quickly fire can spread following a devastating blaze at a Bishop Auckland garage last week.
County Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has urged anyone to "get out and stay out" in the event of a fire, following a blaze that decimated RMH Vehicle Services garage in Tindale Retail Park on Thursday (February 19).
At its peak, more than 50 firefighters and ten engines were battling the flames, which broke out shortly before 10.45am causing the roof of the garage to cave in .
An investigation into the blaze is still underway, but it is not being treated as suspicious as drone pictures show how widely flames were able to spread.
A spokesperson said: "We're sharing these drone photos of Tindale Retail Park in Bishop Auckland to remind everyone just how quickly fire can spread.
"In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and ring 999.
"While there may have been no injuries, the after effects of any fire run deep and our thoughts remain with all those affected."
Following the fire, garage owners took to social media to confirm they would be closed until further notice, adding they will issue further updates soon.
RMH Vehicle Services said: "Unfortunately, the business has suffered a substantial fire within part of the premises.
"This has meant that we are currently closed whilst the emergency services carry out essential work to ensure the site is safe.
"We don’t yet know the full extent of the damage, but we are hopeful that certain parts of the business can be re-opened in due course once we have the necessary clearance.
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"As a local, family-run business, we are facing a difficult time whilst we assess the full extent of the damage and what this might mean for the business moving forward.
"We would like to thank the public for their concern and kind words of support over the last 24 hours via our social media platforms and the many phone calls and conversations we have had with customers past and present.
"We will release a further update in due course. The RMH Team."
