Update for ongoing incident in Birtley
A Major Incident was declared by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue overnight following a fire in Birtley. The Major Incident has now been stood down, however Tyne and Wear are still on the scene and are continuing to tackle the fire. This is likely to continue until late evening/early morning due to the type of site and combustible materials present.
Members of the public in the area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed until further notice. The Environment Agency are making air quality checks in and around the local area. Please stay away from the site where possible.
A small number of homes and businesses near the site are currently without water and power. We are working with Northumbrian Water and Northern PowerGrid to get power and water restored as quickly as possible.
Road closures
The incident has meant that we have been forced to make some emergency road closures. The A167 between Vigo Lane and Harris Bank will remain closed for most of the day. There is a diversion from the B1288 Portobello Road, Vigo Lane. Motorists are advised to use the A1 for this stretch of their journey until further notice.
We are working with Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to reopen the highway as soon as it is safe to do so. We thank you for your patience and ask you to allow more time for your journey today.
A Major Incident was declared by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue overnight following a fire in Birtley. The Major Incident has now been stood down, however Tyne and Wear are still on the scene and are continuing to tackle the fire. This is likely to continue until late evening/early morning due to the type of site and combustible materials present.
Members of the public in the area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed until further notice. The Environment Agency are making air quality checks in and around the local area. Please stay away from the site where possible.
A small number of homes and businesses near the site are currently without water and power. We are working with Northumbrian Water and Northern PowerGrid to get power and water restored as quickly as possible.
Road closures
The incident has meant that we have been forced to make some emergency road closures. The A167 between Vigo Lane and Harris Bank will remain closed for most of the day. There is a diversion from the B1288 Portobello Road, Vigo Lane. Motorists are advised to use the A1 for this stretch of their journey until further notice.
We are working with Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to reopen the highway as soon as it is safe to do so. We thank you for your patience and ask you to allow more time for your journey today.
