A warning has been issued after an unattended fire was left just metres from a County Durham transmission mast - putting thousands of households in danger of losing their TV and radio signal.

On Sunday (May 21), wardens from Durham County Council and firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to flames next to Burnhope Mast. 

With the flames burning just metres away from the mast, firefighters put out the fire within minutes. 

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Despite the fast actions of the fire service, a warning has been out by Durham County Council's wardens about the dangers of unattended fires. 

In a post, the wardens have put out a strict warning to those that are involved with intentional and uninentional fires.

The post read: "As the nights are getting lighter and the days are getting warmer, we are seeing an increase in both intentional and unintentional fires.

"Neighbourhood Wardens were in the right place at the right time tonight to catch this one which was very close to Burnhope Mast which could've caused major disruption if damaged.

"County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service were called and safely extinguished this.

"If you see an unattended fire please call 999."