Firefighters say a blaze in a popular patch of woodland may have been started deliberately.
At around 4.15pm on Monday, fire crews from Chopwell, Swalwell, West Denton and Newcastle Central were called to a fire raging through part of Chopwell Woods, Gateshead .
It took until 5.50pm for the flames to be brought under control.
Footage shows the devastating aftermath after the fire tore through a section of the wood, which is popular with walkers and picnickers.
A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "An area of scrubland approximately 120x50m2 was destroyed by fire. The cause is believed to be deliberate.
"This video shows the damage to the trees and scrubland following the fire. If you deliberately set fires in a public place you are committing a criminal offence and can face police action."
The fire service said firefighters from four fire engines had fought the flames.
A spokesperson added: "The area of scrubland was 100% destroyed - it's thought the cause was malicious."
The news comes on the same day that firefighters were forced to appeal for an end to attacks on its members, after youths lit a fire in Saltwell Park before hurling a "torrent of abuse" at a firefighter leading a cadet training session there.
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