Warning to keep windows shut as dozens of County Durham firefighters tackle major blaze

People living near the fire in the Bishop Auckland, Eldon, Eldon Lane, Coronation and South Church areas have also been urged to keep their doors and windows closed until further notice “due to large amounts of smoke and possible hazardous materials being involved”.

The incident began this morning, August 31, at the former Eldon brickworks, near Bishop Auckland, with firefighters still tackling the incident into Monday afternoon.

A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are currently dealing with a large incident in the Eldon area of Bishop Auckland.

"There are seven appliances, an aerial ladder platform, a bulk water tanker and a number of senior officers in attendance.

“Members of the public in the vicinity are advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to large amounts of smoke and possible hazardous materials being involved.”

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