Large field fire near Dunmow

Firefighters were called to reports of a field fire in Lindsell (near Dunmow) on Sunday afternoon.

Four fire crews are currently working hard to surround the fire and get it under control.

Update 5.30pm - The fire is now out and, thanks to the hard work of our firefighters and the support of a local farmer in creating firebreaks, only hotspots are remaining within the area.

Crews are using beaters to make sure the fire within the field is completely extinguished.

Station Manager Lee Hurst said: "I'd like to thank our firefighters for their hard work here today - the wind and dry conditions mean that these field fires can be very difficult to get on top of.

"I also want to recognise the local farmer who helped us by creating firebreaks within the field with his own machinery - this makes a big difference to how quickly we can get these fires under control.

"Once we've extinguished the remaining hotspots here, we'll be able to leave the scene - thank you to those living nearby for their support today."

We are not treating this fire as suspicious. Please avoid the area on Sunday evening while the remainder of firefighting continues.

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Firefighters who attended this incident are on-call firefighters, who live or work within 5 minutes of the station and are paid to protect their community.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter too.

Find out more about the role and how to apply at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call