This is the dramatic moment firefighters tackled a fire on a bin lorry during the height of the heatwave on Tuesday (July 19). 

The drone footage by Mike Adie of MediaPix Photography was captured on Tynemouth Road, in North Shields. 

 A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We can confirm we attended a vehicle fire on Tynemouth Road in North Shields on Tuesday afternoon.

Read more: Former Redcar Leader David Walsh dies aged 73 as tributes paid

"Our fire control received a call at 2.22pm and two crews from Tynemouth Community Fire Station were on scene in a matter of minutes to bring the fire under control.

“Upon arrival they found a refuse vehicle on fire and firefighters were supported by Northumbria Police who put a full road closure in place.

“Crews immediately got to work in their Breathing Apparatus (BA) gear and full fire kit, despite the searing hot temperatures.

“They used a specialist COBRA pump that can pierce external walls and deploy water into the heart of a fire without crews having to enter the vehicle or building.

“They also used thermal imaging equipment to identify the hottest parts of the fire and by doing so they brought it quickly under control and prevented a more serious incident.

“It is believed the fire was accidental but the exact cause is unknown. One working theory is that a disposable barbeque had not been properly cooled down.

“We would remind anyone using barbeques to always ensure they are extinguished and to pour cold water onto them prior to disposing of them in a bin.

“During temperatures like we saw earlier this week, we would advise to not have a barbeque as they can quickly get out of control and cause significant damage.

“We want to thank everyone involved in the response to this bin fire and we are glad that nobody was seriously injured.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054