Police have launched an investigation after garages were destroyed and homes shook by an "explosion" in West Denton.
Officers and firefighters were called to tackle a blaze on The Burnside at 9.55pm on Thursday.
The investigation by Northumbria Police is being treated as a "suspected malicious ignition".
Nobody was injured during the fire but several garages have been left severely damaged.
Resident Bethan Hudson said she heard an explosion and felt her whole house shake.
She said: "I was in the kitchen and for a split second I thought it was an earthquake but it was too quick.
"Then I thought one of my kids had fallen out of bed but I heard all the neighbours out their houses. Everyone was asking each other if they felt and heard the blast.
"The whole entire house including the windows just shook.
"I saw this big fire behind the houses and then the fire service turned up. The fire was gone as quick as it started but it was big and could be seen over the houses."
Enquiries are ongoing and officers are asking anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Officers attended the scene and the incident is being treated as a suspected malicious ignition.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police by using the Tell us Something page on our website quoting log 1200 01/04/21."
