A flat in Darlington was hit by fire on Tuesday (February 13), and a large 999 response was spotted on the streets around the scene of the blaze. 

Emergency services attended Peel Street in the town at about 11.45pm, following reports of a flat building on fire - with police, firefighters and ambulances all seen at the incident.

The emergency service presence was on the scene for about one hour to deal with the incident - with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service now issuing a statement about the incident.

At this time, the cause of the fire hasn't been released.

A spokesperson from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: “Shortly after 11.45pm on Tuesday (February 13) night, we were alerted to a fire within a flat on Peel Street in Darlington.

“Within four minutes of the phone call, two appliances were at the scene.

“On arrival, the occupant of the premises had safely removed themselves from the property – thanks to their working smoke alarms - leaving the door open for firefighters to access the property.

“Firefighters, using breathing apparatus and hose reels, successfully extinguished the blaze within one hour.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing."

Following the incident, the fire service has reminded flat and house owners about the importance of smoke alarms and keeping communities safe.

The fire service spokesperson added: “Meanwhile, we want to take a moment to remind people that having working smoke alarms saves lives.

“You are around eight times more likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm in your home.

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“We offer free Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) as part of our never-ending commitment to keeping our communities safe.

“During a home fire safety visit, we visit households to check for working smoke alarms or fit them, check electrical items and plan a safe escape in an emergency.

“To find out more, visit our website or call 0345 223 4221 during office hours.”