This morning (February 27) at 7.41am, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) received a report of a fire within a residential caravan at Castledene Holiday Park.
Two appliances from Peterlee were immediately deployed.
Upon arrival, crews were met with a fully developed fire and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and proceeded to conduct a search and extinguish the fire using hose reels.
Sadly, a man in his 60s was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A joint investigation between CDDFRS and Durham Constabulary is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Group Manager Michael Pearson of CDDFRS said: “The thoughts of everyone at CDDFRS are with the family and friends of those affected by this tragic incident.
“We ask that people give his family and loved ones the privacy they need as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened.”
He added: “At tragic times like this, we are reminded of the dangers of fire and the reality that fire kills.
“As a Service we aim to protect and educate the members of our communities about the dangers of fire and we therefore, once again, issue our plea to every household – whether they be in a house, a flat or a caravan – to make sure you are checking your smoke alarms weekly.
“If you don’t have a smoke alarm – we can fit them for you as part of our free Home Fire Safety Visits.
“Nothing matters more to us than the safety of those who live in our communities, and we ask that you reach out to your neighbours – particularly those who are older and living alone and offer to help them test their smoke alarms or help arrange a HFSV from their local fire crews.
“We all have a duty to look after one another so please do play your part in keeping communities safe.”
Fire crews from Peterlee Station will be working in the neighbourhood today to offer reassurance to neighbours and provide home fire safety advice.
For a free Home Fire Safety Visit please call 0845 2234221 or visit our website - Free Home Fire Safety Visit | County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (ddfire.gov.uk).
