Prestwick Carr: Heavy rainfall helps tackle nature reserve wildfire

Substantial rainfall on Sunday helped to bring the fire under control

Heavy rainfall has helped to put out a wildfire that has been burning at a nature reserve for five days.

The fire started on Wednesday at Prestwick Carr, near Newcastle airport, with around 50 firefighters involved.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said crews working to bring the incident "to a safe conclusion" has been aided by Sunday's overnight rain.

A team will remain in place while working to hand over to the site's owners, the Ministry of Defence.

Although the rain did help, the service said on Monday that the fire was "still burning".

Despite the large amounts of smoke, a spokesperson for Newcastle airport said flights were unaffected.

A service spokesperson says firefighters worked in 'blistering' conditions

Crews battled with "searing" temperatures as well as the intensity of the heat from the fire itself.

It proved more challenging than many fires because the location - a site of special scientific interest which attracts various wading birds and songbirds - was difficult to access by vehicle, meaning firefighters had to travel to the dense woodland on foot with heavy equipment.

On Sunday, a substantial amount of overnight rain across parts of the North East contributed to "bringing the incident towards a conclusion", a spokesperson for the service said.

An investigation is under way into how the fire started

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay praised her team for their work, as well as thanking other services for their support.

"It has been a tough incident but each day I've been incredibly humbled by the actions of our staff to keep going in the face of adversity," she said.

"I know the wildfire has caused a great deal of disruption and inconvenience in the local area, and I appreciate your patience and ongoing support as we work to bring the incident to a safe conclusion."

Local residents have been warned that they may smell smoke for a few days but that they should not be concerned.

While a joint police and fire service investigation is under way, people have been warned not to use disposable barbecues or start bonfires in open spaces.

A reminder has also been issued not to leave litter such as glass in rural areas, which can start fires by focusing the sun's rays.