Crews extinguish wildfire in South Woodham Ferrers

Crews extinguished a wildfire in South Woodham Ferrers.

We were called to Creekview Road at 7.04pm and crews from South Woodham Ferrers, Burnham, Rayleigh Weir and Wickford attended, along with Burnham's Off Road Vehicle.

Approximately 3.5 acres of grassland along a river bank was alight and the high winds were fanning the flames.

Crews used light portable pumps, backpack sprayers and beaters to extinguish the fire by 8.25pm. They remained at the scene to dampen down until 9.30pm.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service issued wildfire safety advice earlier today following a Met Office forecast of warm weather in early April.

Group Manager Mark Eaglestone said: “You can play your part in preventing wildfires and protecting our beautiful countryside by disposing of litter properly. If you can’t find a bin, take it home.  

“Please avoid having campfires and using disposable barbecues as it only takes an ember to catch the tinder dry grass and vegetation alight when it’s hot and dry.

"If you’re a smoker, make sure to properly stub out cigarettes before discarding them." 

If you see a wildfire, get to a safe place and then call 999 and ask for the fire service. 

The best way to help emergency services find your location is to use the what3words app: download it today.