Tractor destroyed in Port of Tyne blaze as fire service says electrical fault could be cause of incident

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service was called to the compound shortly before 8pm yesterday, Wednesday, January 23, after a report of a large fire.

People were asked to stay clear of the area while crews worked to put out the blaze.

The incident happened on the Tynegrain Ltd base on the estate after a building containing biomass pellets – which are used as a form of fuel – caught light.

A shed was also slightly damaged during the fire.

Port of Tyne said a wheel-shovel tractor was destroyed in the fire, which saw five appliances and a fire service car attend the scene, after the vehicle overheated.

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called out to a fire at the Port of Tyne, Tyne Dock East Side, South Shields at 7.51pm last night.

“Crews from South Shields, Hebburn, Wallsend, Washington, West Denton and Gosforth Community Fire Stations tackled the fire in an industrial shed, containing biomass pellets.

“The incident was concluded at 8.27pm.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation, but is most likely caused by an electrical fault.”

The call out led the service to tell followers it was one incident during a busy shift for its Red Watch.

Northumbria Police were aware of the incident but did not attend.