Fire crews have tackled a blaze at a former factory site where about 400 tonnes of rubbish was previously dumped.<\/p>\n
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue (CDDFRS) was called to the old Dewhirst site in Peterlee at about 07:15 BST, where according to crews, a large quantity of fly-tipped rubbish was “well alight”.<\/p>\n
The Environment Agency (EA) had previously launched an investigation after industrial waste was dumped there in July.<\/p>\n
One fire engine from Peterlee Fire Station attended, with crews extinguishing the flames and leaving the scene just before 08:00.<\/p>\n
Prior to the fire, an EA spokesperson said it was “working with the landowner, who has secured the site”. <\/p>\n
“We are carrying out regular inspections to ensure no further waste is deposited,” they said.<\/p>\n
“A thorough investigation is under way, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where appropriate.”<\/p>\n
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