Investigation launched after second fire in 12 days at Washington industrial estate

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have confirmed an investigation has been launched with Northumbria Police into the cause of a fire at Crowther Industrial Estate after two successive fires in less that two weeks at the Washington business park.

On Tuesday evening (August 11) eleven fire appliances and dozens of firefighters were deployed to a vehicle repair and sales centre on the industrial estate.

In a post on social media, TWFRS warned there is smoke in the area and to keep all windows and doors closed.

After battling the latest fire throughout the the night, two fire appliances and fire crews remained at the scene on Crowther Industrial Estate the following morning.

In an updated statement, a TWFRS spokesperson said: "We can confirm that all firefighting operations at the incident have now concluded and we no longer have any fire appliances or firefighters in attendance at the site.

"Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire on Tuesday 11 August. Crews worked through the evening to bring the fire under control and returned the following morning (Wednesday) to carry out a number of post-fire visits.

"A fire investigation has commenced and the Service is working with colleagues from Northumbria Police to help determine the most likely cause of the fire."

It was the second time in 12 days that smoke could be seen billowing into the sky above the town with a blaze having also broken out at a different commercial property on the evening of Friday July 31.

On that occasion eight fire appliances were deployed to the scene and once again battled throughout the night to fully extinguish the blaze. Speaking three days after the fire, a TWFRS spokesperson said the cause of the fire was “unconfirmed”.

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We have also contacted Northumbria Police who have confirmed they are involved in the investigation.