Drone images have revealed the extensive damage caused by a massive fire that broke out at a factory in Washington, with thick, dark grey smoke visible for miles. The blaze erupted at Streamline PopTop on Crowther Industrial Estate on Friday afternoon, and firefighters spent more than 12 hours battling the flames.
Firefighters Battle Blaze for Over 12 Hours
Crews rushed to the scene at 3.40pm on Friday and did not leave until 8.14am on Saturday. The fire caused significant damage to the factory as well as neighbouring businesses. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) confirmed that eight fire appliances attended the incident, with crews from Marley Park, Farringdon, South Shields, Gateshead, West Denton, Byker and Newcastle Central Community Fire Stations dispatched to the scene.
Cause Still Unconfirmed
In a statement, a spokesperson for TWFRS said: "We can confirm on the afternoon of Friday 31st July, eight fire appliances attended a fire at a commercial property in Washington. The emergency call was received by our Fire Control Team at 15:40 and crews from Marley Park, Farringdon, South Shields, Gateshead, West Denton, Byker and Newcastle Central Community Fire Stations were dispatched to the scene near to Crowther Industrial Estate in Washington. Crews left the scene at 08:14, once the fire had been safely extinguished. The cause is unconfirmed at present."
Images Show Devastation
The aftermath images show the severely damaged roof at Streamline PopTop, with the factory's structure clearly compromised. Aerial views from drones highlight the scale of the destruction, with smoke billowing into the air and the roof visibly collapsed in parts. The scene remained cordoned off on Monday, with investigators working to determine the cause of the fire.
