Firefighters put out a grass fire in Thorney Close as deliberate arson attacks in the area rise

Firefighters worked to extinguish a grass fire in a field off Tay Road in Thorney Close as the area experiences a rise in deliberate arson attacks.
By ryan smith
Published 11th Aug 2020, 16:51 BST
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The incident happened just after 1pm on Tuesday, August 11 when one crew from Farringdon were called to the scene.

Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) worked to quickly extinguish the grass fire and left just before 1.30pm.

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This latest incident comes as freshly cut grass in the Barnes Park Extension, between Grindon and Thorney Close, has been subjected to a number of arson attacks over the past few days.

Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have put out a grass fire in Thorney Close.Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have put out a grass fire in Thorney Close.
Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have put out a grass fire in Thorney Close.
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Despite the park being owned and managed by Sunderland City Council, the grass is cut by a local former who then collects it to form hay bales.

The rise in deliberate fires has sparked anger with the Lib Dem councillor for Grindon and Thorney Close, Stephen O’Brien, who highlights that the smoke can aggravate health problems for nearby residents.

Cllr O’Brien said: “Whoever has been responsible for setting these patches of recently cut grass alight are not only wasting huge amounts of the fire brigade’s time and money, they are ruining the park for everyone.

Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen O'Brien at the scene of one of the arson attacks.Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen O'Brien at the scene of one of the arson attacks.
Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen O'Brien at the scene of one of the arson attacks.
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“Local residents living nearby are having keep doors and windows closed until the fires are put out, whilst people with illnesses and breathing conditions are worried sick, and residents whose gardens back onto the park who are worried in case the fires spread to their properties.”

Anyone who witnesses people setting fires is encouraged to contact the police and TWFRS immediately.

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