Setting fires recklessly is putting lives at risk, the fire service has said after they were called to a rubbish blaze in Gateshead.
Two fire crews were called out to the field off Whitehill Drive, in the Whitehills area of Gateshead, on Sunday evening after a fire was set in a field.
Firefighters used a hose reel to douse the flames which had also spread to the surrounding bushes.
Now the fire service has criticised those who started the fire after they put 'unnecessary strain' on the emergency services during the coronavirus crisis.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "At 8.04pm, we received a report from Northumbria Police of a rubbish fire in the fields close to the road.
"We dispatched our targeted response vehicle from Newcastle Central Community Fire Station and a fire engine from Gateshead Community Fire Station. The incident was concluded at 8.39pm.
"The people responsible for starting this fire should have been following the Government rules and staying at home, not putting lives at risk by placing unnecessary strain on the emergency services. Please talk to your children about the consequences of setting fires.
"If you have any information on deliberate fires, you can report it anonymously to FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or at www.firestoppersreport.co.uk."
