A couple were left stunned after a huge wildfire erupted while they were out enjoying a relaxing countryside walk.
The blaze rapidly tore through a field, eventually spreading across an area the size of 14 football pitches.
The fire became so large it was officially categorised as a wildfire by the fire service.
Sarah and Jeff Wingfield witnessed the dramatic scenes while walking near High Shincliffe, County Durham, as reported by Need To Know.
Sarah said: “We had just finished our circular walk in Durham and were heading home.
“We saw the smoke and then the flames spread so quickly from one side of the field to the next.
“I checked other onlookers had phoned the fire service and they had.
“I was devastated to see this happen to our beautiful countryside, the farmer’s crops and the worry for the wildlife in the field.
“We directed the fire service down the lane by waving and pointing towards the path.
“But it was frightening how big the fire was becoming, so we left.
“Later, we drove past and the whole field was gone.
“Thankfully the fire service had done an incredible job.
“But the loss of that whole field was so upsetting.”
Firefighters were called to the blaze at 2.14pm on Sunday (12 July).
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service received 64 emergency calls reporting the incident.
The fire spread across around 100,000 square metres – roughly the size of 14 football pitches.
Smoke could reportedly be seen as far away as Durham city centre.
Fire crews brought the blaze under control within 30 to 45 minutes of arriving at the scene.
