Dunston Staiths

Dunston Staiths were seen on fire early in the morning of Saturday 16 May 2020.

Firefighters tackling the blaze

For more background, see the website of the owners of Dunston Staiths, Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust.

Dampening down in the morning

From this viewpoint, the significance is not evident, but the damage to structural timberwork will prevent safe public access to most of the staiths.   It adds to the last years's fire damage, yet to be repaired, the public appeal for which has been extended to cover the recent fire.

The worst fire in 2003 caused the loss of a large section of the 1893 NER staiths.
(photo courtesy of Richard Charlton)

Without fire, Dunston Staiths have often appeared in the Chronicle
(photo Trevor Ermel)