Large field fire

Update 6:15pm

The fire is now out and crews expect to remain on scene for a few more hours while they dampen the area down. The incident has been scaled down to four crews.

Three large fields were affected by the fire which spread in windy conditions across the road.

Crews believe the fire was caused after a combine harvester malfunctioned.

Station Manager Nick Singleton said: “Crews worked really hard under arduous and windy conditions to prevent the fire spreading. We had a thatched cottage and stables nearby and by putting a fire break in, we were able to prevent it from spreading to those buildings.

“We’d like to thank our colleagues in Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service who sent a crew from Holbrook and two crews from Princes Street. We’d also like to thank the farmers who helped us on scene with their machinery.”

Ten crews and number of off-road vehicles are currently at the scene of a large field fire near Harwich Road, Ardleigh.

If you live or work nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed as there is lots of smoke coming from the scene. Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident.

On arrival, crews reported that a large field and scrubland was on fire.

Crews have contained the fire and are working to extinguish it.