Investigation launched after firefighters tackle huge Bonfire Night blaze in Sunderland

Firefighters were called at 7.50pm on Bonfire Night (Thursday, November 5) to reports of a wooden carport and caravan fire on land off Ryhope Street South, Sunderland, which spread through a storage yard and damaged two shops.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service says the compound, which included multiple wooden storage structures to the rear of a car cutting shop, and a convenience store were affected in the blaze.

A fire service spokesman said: “Structures in the yard were 100% severely damaged. Carport 50% severely damaged. Shop 20% severely damaged. Car cutting shop 100% severely damaged.”

Pictures show a number of fire engines on Ryhope Street South as crews from Farringdon, Rainton Bridge, Washington, South Shields stations, and a command support from Sunderland Central, attended the blaze.

An investigation is now underway to determine the circumstances around the fire.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 8.30pm yesterday (Thursday) we were alerted by the fire service to a fire at a shop on Ryhope Street South, Sunderland.

“Emergency services attended the scene and found a fire had broken out at a nearby storage yard which had spread to the rear of the store. Thankfully nobody was injured.

“Inquiries are ongoing with the fire service to determine the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 252 061120.

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