Crews stop field fire spreading to nearby homes

Firefighters in Grays worked hard to stop a field fire spreading to a nearby row of terraced houses this morning.

Crews reported on arrival that the fire was spreading quickly, having reached shrubbery and the back fences of the homes.

Dave Hogan, Watch Manager at Grays Fire Station, said: "This was a fire like so many we've been seeing recently, with the dry conditions meaning even the smallest grass or wildfire can spread and become very dangerous.

"In the end, while the fences and some decking were damaged, our firefighters have done a brilliant job to stop it damaging the nearby properties. I have no doubt that this fire would easily have reached the homes without their quick actions and hard work to get it under control.

"I'd like to thank our crews, as well as the members of public who reported this incident to our Control teams - the earlier we know about a fire, the quicker we can put it out before it becomes even more challenging."

We do not believe the cause of the fire to be suspicious.

With hot and dry conditions continuing, help us to help you

Our firefighters and Control teams have been incredibly busy over the past week or so, with calls to hundreds of incidents across Essex and the surrounding counties.

We want to make sure we can continue being there for those who need us most - particularly with dry conditions continuing, no rain forecast and temperatures expected to rise this weekend.

So, with that in mind, please follow our safety advice and help us to help you:

• Cigarettes dropped on dry grass that have not been properly extinguished or cigarettes thrown from car windows can start a fire. Many roads are banked by or near to grassland, and these can be easily set on fire by a cigarette in dry weather
• We recommend holding off on having bonfires until there has been more rain. It only takes an ember from a bonfire to catch in the slightest breeze and set fire to dry vegetations, sheds, fences, trees etc.
• Barbecues can cause fires when smouldering ash and embers are carried by the wind onto areas of dry grass. Disposable barbecues that have been discarded and abandoned can also cause fires as they will continue to retain heat after use – they should be cooled before being properly disposed of
• Glass left in parks or on embankments can start fires too. Glass can magnify the sun and start a fire - so please dispose of it appropriately
• If you see dry grass smouldering, please call 999 and report it immediately to prevent the fire from spreading
• Don’t jump into open water – if you don’t know how deep it is or what’s in it, it’s not worth the risk. If you get into trouble – remember to float to live and try to alert others