Havannah Nature Reserve near Hazlerigg, where residents reported a fire on Bonfire Night, Thursday 5 November 2026. Fire crews were reportedly called to the scene, with witnesses later stating that the blaze had been extinguished. Photograph: Peter Maddison / Geograph
Firefighters have reportedly attended a fire at Havannah Nature Reserve near Hazlerigg this evening, Thursday 5 November from approximately 7:15 PM , following reports of a blaze at the popular wildlife site.
The incident was first brought to wider attention through posts in the Hazlerigg Village Facebook group, where a resident warned that the nature reserve was on fire and that the fire brigade had been called.
Other residents subsequently reported seeing fire crews attending the scene, while one commenter said the fire had already been brought under control.
The reports come on Bonfire Night, when fireworks and bonfires are taking place across Newcastle and the wider North East.
However, there is currently no confirmed evidence linking the reported fire to fireworks, and the cause of the incident remains unknown.
Great Park Gazette is treating the information as developing news while awaiting official confirmation from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
Residents raise the alarm on social media
The first warning appeared in the Hazlerigg Village Facebook group earlier this evening.
An anonymous member posted:
"Havannah nature reserve is on fire. Fire brigade has been called."
The post prompted concern among residents, with several people commenting about the emergency response.
One resident reported having driven past the nature reserve and seeing the fire brigade in attendance.
Another commenter subsequently stated that the fire was out and that firefighters had dealt with it quickly.
However, a later comment from another resident reported seeing two fire engines still at the location.
These accounts suggest that emergency crews had responded and that the fire may have been extinguished relatively quickly.
The reports have not yet been independently confirmed by the fire service, and the exact extent of the incident is not known.
Latest information from residents
Based on comments visible in the Hazlerigg Village group at approximately 7:45pm:
Fire reported: A resident stated that Havannah Nature Reserve was on fire and that the fire brigade had been contacted.
Emergency services attending: Another resident reported seeing firefighters at the location while passing nearby.
Fire reportedly extinguished: A further commenter stated that firefighters had put out the fire.
Fire engines still present: A later comment indicated that two fire engines remained at the scene.
Although the update suggesting that the blaze had been extinguished is encouraging, it is not yet known whether firefighters were still checking the area for remaining hot spots or undertaking other work.
There has been no verified information about injuries, damage to wildlife habitats, the size of the affected area or the cause of the fire.
Why Havannah Nature Reserve is important to local wildlife
Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve is an important green space situated to the west of Hazlerigg, near Newcastle Great Park.
The site occupies land associated with the former Hazlerigg Colliery and supports a variety of habitats, including woodland, grassland and wetland areas.
According to Newcastle City Council, the nature reserve is home to protected and priority wildlife species, including great crested newts, badgers and several birds of conservation concern.
The reserve is also popular with walkers, dog owners, cyclists and horse riders.
Its footpaths and natural habitats make it an important recreational and environmental space for residents of Hazlerigg, Wideopen, Great Park and surrounding communities.
Fires in natural areas can damage vegetation and animal habitats, even when firefighters are able to extinguish the flames quickly.
However, it is not yet known whether tonight's reported incident caused any lasting environmental damage.
Previous concerns about fires at the reserve
The latest reports follow concerns raised earlier this year about fires and anti-social behaviour at Havannah Nature Reserve.
In August 2026, Hazlerigg Parish Council representatives highlighted problems involving fires and fly-tipping at the site.
Parish council chair Rachel Locke raised concerns about the impact of repeated incidents on vegetation, wildlife and the wider environment.
Newcastle City Council acknowledged concerns about fires at the reserve and said it was working with the fire service on preventative measures.
Those earlier incidents provide important context for local concerns about the nature reserve.
However, there is no evidence at this stage that the fire reported tonight is connected to any previous incidents.
It would also be premature to suggest that tonight's fire was deliberately started.
Bonfire Night raises concerns
The reported incident occurred on Thursday 5 November, as communities across the North East marked Bonfire Night.
The annual celebrations traditionally involve fireworks and bonfires, placing additional demands on emergency services.
Some residents commenting on the Hazlerigg Village Facebook post speculated that fireworks may have been involved.
However, speculation on social media does not establish the cause of a fire.
At present, there is no confirmed information indicating whether the incident was accidental, deliberate, fireworks-related or caused by something else.
Any determination about the cause would need to come from the emergency services or a subsequent investigation.
Advice for residents near the nature reserve
Anyone in the vicinity of Havannah Nature Reserve should exercise caution and avoid approaching any area where firefighters or other emergency services may be working.
Residents are advised to:
Keep clear of emergency vehicles and any restricted areas.
Avoid entering potentially affected areas of the nature reserve.
Keep children and pets away from any smoke, hot ground or fire debris.
Report any new fire, visible flames or immediate danger by calling 999.
Avoid sharing unverified claims about how the incident started.
People should also refrain from visiting the location solely to take photographs or videos, as doing so could interfere with emergency operations.
Awaiting an official update
As of approximately 7:45pm on Thursday 5 November, Great Park Gazette has not been able to verify an official statement from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirming the precise circumstances of the incident.
Reports from residents suggest that firefighters attended the nature reserve and that the fire may already have been extinguished.
However, the exact location within the reserve, the extent of any damage and the cause remain unconfirmed.
Great Park Gazette will update this report as further reliable information becomes available.
Have your say
Were you in the Hazlerigg or Havannah Nature Reserve area this evening?
Did you see emergency services attending the incident?
Residents with relevant first-hand information are welcome to share updates, photographs or videos with Great Park Gazette.
Please provide the approximate time and location of any observations and avoid speculation about who or what caused the fire.
Our thanks go to residents who have shared information about the incident and to the emergency services responding to calls across the region this Bonfire Night.
Sources and further information
Hazlerigg Village Facebook group
Local resident reports and comments viewed on Thursday 5 November 2026 at approximately 7:45pm.
Newcastle City Council – Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service
Editorial note: This is a developing news report based primarily on eyewitness accounts published in a local Facebook community group. The incident, number of responding fire appliances, extent of damage and reported extinguishment have not yet been independently verified through an official fire service statement. No cause has been established, and comments speculating about fireworks or deliberate ignition should not be treated as evidence.
