Overview
- Northumbria Police say the blaze at Heaton Gardens is being treated as suspected arson and have asked the public for footage or information quoting reference NP-20251030-1106.
- Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service received the call at 11:01pm on October 30, arrived within minutes, extinguished the fire by 11:37pm, and left the scene shortly after 1am.
- Firefighters reported the flames began in a shed housing the display and spread to external parts of the home and neighboring properties, destroying the attraction.
- Organisers Stan Yannetta and Richy Ames said they are devastated and indicated the annual Christmas display and associated fundraising will not go ahead this year.
- The community-run attraction has operated for about 19 years, grown to roughly 70ft, raised money for Tiny Lives, SURT and Pawz for Thought, and drew 300–400 visitors during a practice run earlier that evening.