Fire crews

ASBESTOS AT OLD FACTORY BRINGS EXTRA DANGER FOR 999 HEROES

TOXIC smoke was released into the air when a blaze broke out in a disused factory in Gateshead.

Firefighters from Gateshead, Newcastle Central, South Shields and the aerial ladder platform from Marley Park were called to the former Jordan Engineering site on Shields Road, Pelaw, just before 9pm on Tuesday.

A total of 22 firefighters were on scene for two hours, dousing the flames using three jets and a hose.

Firefighters tackling the blaze had to wear breathing masks due to asbestos in the roof being released as the building went up in flames.

Police officers also closed the road to the public.

Passer-by Jordan Mills, who took photos of the blaze, said: “The fire brigade asked me to move up the street due to the toxic smoke. At the peak there was five fire trucks and one ladder truck.” The roof of the factory was left severely damaged by the flames and the rest of the building suffered smoke damage.

Engineering firm Jordan Group has been based at the factory and manufactured metal parts and structures for the oil and gas industry.

The firm existed in a number of different forms at the site on Shields Road, in Pelaw, since it was founded in 2003 by Peter Jordan but closed its doors in June 2017.

A spokesperson for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews from Gateshead, Newcastle Central, South Shields and the aerial ladder platform from Marley Park attended a large fire at the former Jordan’s Engineering site on Shields Road, Felling last night.

“They arrived shortly before 9pm last night and left just before 11pm. Firefighters used three jets, two breathing apparatus and a Cobra [a machine which shoots out water vapour at high speed and pressure], and respirators were worn. The Stihl saw was used to gain entry into the building.”