Overview
- Emergency services were called to Heaton Gardens late on October 30, with firefighters extinguishing the blaze by 11:37pm and leaving shortly after 1am.
- Northumbria Police say enquiries are underway and the incident is being treated as suspected arson.
- The attraction, run by Stan Yannetta with Richy Ames for 19 years and stretching about 70ft, traditionally raised donations for Tiny Lives, SURT and Pawz for Thought.
- The fire started in a shed housing the display and spread to nearby properties, damaging a garage roof, back windows and a neighbour’s front porch.
- Organisers report a total loss after investing about £8,000 this year and say the destruction will halt their planned Christmas display and fundraising.