Almost 40 firefighters called to Ryton after 'large scale' blaze at disused warehouse

Almost 40 firefighters were called to an area of Gateshead after a "large-scale" fire at a disused warehouse.

People were told to avoid an area of Ryton on Friday evening after the fire brigade responded to reports of a blaze at a factory, with crews arriving on scene at Newburn Bridge Road shortly after 8pm on Friday.

A statement from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) said nearly 40 firefighters responded to the fire. It said: "Eight appliances, our aerial ladder platform (ALP) vehicle, our command unit and our drone team responded to a fire. Just after 8pm our fire control received a 999 call reporting a blaze at a disused warehouse on Newburn Bridge Road in Ryton.

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"They did not hesitate and immediately deployed our fire crews to the scene in order to prevent the fire from spreading. Our first firefighters were on scene in a matter of minutes and quickly recognised they needed reinforcements.

Firefighters responded to a blaze at a disused warehouse in Ryton (Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service)

"Our firefighters tackled the blaze to ensure it didn’t spread using our drone which helped identify the hot spots. The hard work of everyone involved saw the fire contained and over a number of hours it has been extinguished."

They added: "We want to thank those in the area who followed our advice to keep doors and windows closed last night as there was a lot of smoke in the air. But most of all we want to say a huge well done to all of our staff who responded so effectively in a high pressure situation. You did us proud as always."

Police in Ryton after an overnight fire at a warehouse (staff)

Posting on social media during the fire, the service said crews were dealing with a "large-scale incident" and urged people to avoid the area.

A team from the Salvation Army was also on scene supporting the crews alongside other emergency services. The fire was brought under control shortly after 4am on Saturday.

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