A car was deliberately set on fire in a field at Acorn Dairy, the organic milk producer on the edge of Archdeacon Newton, just outside Darlington, late on Thursday (July 16).
Emergency services respond
Durham Police said officers were called shortly before 10.15pm to reports of a Vauxhall Corsa ablaze in a farm field. Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) attended and extinguished the blaze.
"What to say… second one in a week on tinder dry grassland."
The message, posted by Acorn Dairy on social media, underlined the concern of the Tweddle family, who run the organic dairy. The post added: "We have all our gates barred and locked", signalling heightened alarm at repeated incidents on their land.
Fire service details
A CDDFRS spokesperson said crews were alerted at 9.07pm and that one appliance from Darlington Fire Station was dispatched. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a high-pressure hose reel to bring the blaze under control and left the scene at 10.07pm.
| Incident | Detail |
|---|---|
| Call received | Just before 10.15pm, Thursday 16 July |
| Fire service called | 9.07pm |
| Attendance | One engine from Darlington Fire Station |
| Resources used | One high-pressure hose reel; breathing apparatus |
Context and local risk
The incident comes amid prolonged hot, dry weather. Earlier this month a large wildfire at High Shincliffe — near Durham University’s Graham Sports Centre — charred an area equivalent to around 14 football pitches. That blaze, assisted by strong winds, required multiple fire engines and was formally categorised as a wildfire.
Fire crews and police are continuing to investigate, working to establish the exact cause of the vehicle fire. At present, there have been no detailed statements indicating whether this latest incident is linked to other recent fires in the area.
What local people and visitors should know
- Residents should report any suspicious activity around farmland or fields to Durham Police immediately.
- Avoid lighting barbecues or fires in open countryside during dry spells.
- Farm businesses are advised to review access and security measures; Acorn Dairy has confirmed it has barred gates and increased vigilance.
This is a developing local story and further information will be reported when emergency services release updates.
