UPDATE 10PM

Crews have now left the scene.

UPDATE 8.30PM

The haystack is being allowed to burn under supervision from firefighters. A crew will remain at the scene as a precaution until it is safe to leave the scene with the owner. 

Firefighters from Wethersfield, Halstead, Braintree and Dunmow were called to a large haystack fire today at Bluegate Hall Farm, Braintree. 

On arrival, crews confirmed it was approximately 100 tonnes of hay alight.

Crews extinguished a garage fire in Chelmsford.

We were called to Rembrandt Grove today at 6.23pm and crews from Chelmsford (two), Great Baddow and Witham attended.

The garage was completely alight when crews arrived.

Station Manager John Warmann said: "The fire had started to affect the houses either side and crews did a fantastic job in stopping it spreading. Although the garage was destroyed, the houses only suffered slight smoke damage.

Crews extinguished a fire affecting three flats in Clacton.

We were called to Ellis Road today (Monday 31 March) at 3.36pm after a resident saw smoke coming from a first floor flat.

Crews from Clacton, Weeley, Frinton, Colchester, Tollesbury and Colchester's Aerial Ladder Platform attended.

Station Manager Ryan Ainger said: "Crews were faced with a developing fire which had spread to the voids in wall spaces and the ceiling.

Crews have issued safety advice after a fire at a flat in Thurrock.

We were called to Draper Close today (Sunday 30 March) at 11.21am and crews from Grays (two) and Rayleigh Weir attended.

A neighbour had spotted smoke coming from a second floor balcony and called 999.

Crew Manager Edwards said: "Smoke had filled the flat and crews found a wooden balcony alight. Thanks to the neighbour's actions, we were on scene very quickly; crews led a man to safety and extinguished the fire before it took hold inside the flat.

Update Saturday 29 March - 1.30am

The fire has been extinguished and the number of crews at the scene will be significantly reduced over the next few hours.

The fire affected 25% of the building.

Area Manager Dan Partridge said: "We are grateful that the building was evacuated so efficiently, and no-one suffered any injuries.

"I would like to praise crews for their hard work in getting the fire under control so quickly.

Update 25 March

Watch Manager Darren Hockley said: "A fire investigation has been carried out and we believe the cause was most likely a lithium ion battery which had been disposed of incorrectly. 

"I'd like to stress the importance of disposing of your lithium ion batteries properly, not in a skip or with domestic household waste.  Always check with your local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area."

Crews have been working to extinguish approximately 35 tonnes of waste.

Firefighters were called to a flat fire on the 2nd floor of a high rise building in Southend last night. 

Crews entered the flat and extinguished the fire.

Firefighters rescued one casualty who was suffering from smoke inhalation. 

Station Manager Jason Gould said: "We believe the fire started in the kitchen. It's really important to keep your hobs, ovens and grills clean as a build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.