Road closed as smoke drifts across carriageway
Elstob Lane, near Great Stainton, was sealed off in both directions for several hours on Saturday after a large muck heap caught fire in a field opposite Elstob Cottage Farm. The incident, reported at 13:47 on 13 July, prompted an emergency response from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) and a road closure by police due to reduced visibility from drifting smoke. The road has since reopened.
One fire engine from Darlington attended alongside a water bowser from Spennymoor, with crews remaining at the scene for an extended period to damp down the heap and prevent spread. Officers from Durham Constabulary advised drivers to avoid the area while the carriageway was affected by smoke.
Emergency services response and public advice
CDDFRS confirmed that firefighting operations would take time owing to the nature of the material involved. The service and police both stressed the visibility risks posed by smoke crossing the lane, which led to the temporary closure to protect road users.
“We were called at 1.47pm today (July 13) to a muck heap on fire in a field opposite Elstob Cottage Farm, near Great Stainton. One fire engine from Darlington Fire Station is currently in attendance and the water bowser from Spennymoor Fire Station is on its way to the incident… Firefighters are expected to be at the scene for a considerable time. Police have closed Elstob Lane due to smoke blowing across the carriageway.”
Durham Constabulary said at the time:
“Elstob Lane, near Great Stainton, has been closed in both directions due to a large fire. Crews from County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue are working to extinguish the blaze, which is not being treated as suspicious. The road is expected to be closed for a while due to smoke engulfing the carriageway – we'd ask that motorists avoid the area and find an alternative route.”
What we know so far
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Call received | 13:47, Saturday 13 July |
| Location | Opposite Elstob Cottage Farm, near Great Stainton |
| Road affected | Elstob Lane (both directions closed; now reopened) |
| Resources | 1 fire engine (Darlington), 1 water bowser (Spennymoor) |
| Cause | Not treated as suspicious |
The immediate priority for responders was to contain the manure heap blaze and mitigate smoke hazards to passing traffic. While no injuries were reported to emergency services at the time of the incident, the smoke prompted precautionary closure and diversion until visibility improved.
Impact on motorists and local area
Residents and drivers experienced several hours of disruption as Elstob Lane was shut in both directions. The closure underscores the risks from smoke across rural roads, where sight lines and stopping distances can be compromised quickly. Police urged anyone travelling nearby to consider alternative routes until conditions cleared.
- Safety: Smoke significantly reduced visibility along Elstob Lane, necessitating a full closure.
- Response: Firefighters and a water bowser remained for a “considerable time” to fully damp down the heap.
- Status: The road has reopened; the incident is not considered suspicious.
CDDFRS indicated crews would stay on site for as long as required to prevent reignition, given the material involved. Police and fire officers thanked the public for avoiding the area while the response was under way.
Anyone who travels through rural parts of County Durham is reminded to heed closure signage, slow down where smoke or dust reduces visibility, and follow any further instructions issued by emergency services during similar incidents.
