An investigation is underway after firefighters tackled a suspected arson attack in Bishop Auckland which involved 500 wooden pallets.
Emergency services were called shortly before 11pm on Monday night to reports of a large fire at a premises on the A689, Toronto, Bishop Auckland.
Both Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene as crews worked to extinguish the flames.
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Pictures released by the fire service show crews with hoses tackling the huge flames.
Officers confirmed the fire is being treated as arson and said an investigation is underway.
A spokesperson from Durham Constabulary said: "Police were called shortly before 11pm to reports of a large fire at a premises on the A689, Toronto, Bishop Auckland last night (October 4).
"Officers were joined by colleagues from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service at the scene.
"The fire is being treated as arson and an investigation is underway."
Crews from Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor, and Newton Aycliffe attended the scene and used jets to extinguish the fire before leaving the scene at around 3am.
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "Just after 10.30pm, crews responded to reports of a fire in the Toronto area of Bishop Auckland.
"The fire involved approximately 500 wooden pallets, both fire engines from Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor and a fire engine from Newton Aycliffe attended.
"The crews worked together using jets to bring the fire under control and they left the scene at around 3am.
"A joint police and fire investigation will take place later today to establish the cause of the fire."
