Fire in large barn

Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a large barn in Langley Lower Green.

When firefighters arrived they reported the barn measured approximately 8 metres by 23 metres. The barn contained a large quantity of straw.

Firefighters had to find and establish a good water supply in order to provide enough water to help tackle the blaze.

At 8pm, firefighters were still at the scene fighting the fire.

By 9pm, the fire was under control so the number of firefighters was being reduced. Two fire engines remained at the scene.

Kitchen fire - dog accidentally turns on hob

Firefighters have issued a warning to homeowners following a kitchen fire in Colchester this morning.

Watch Manager Ian Ryder, Colchester Fire Station said:

"We are urging residents in Essex to keep their hobs and oven completely clear. This morning we were called out to a kitchen fire which started after a cardboard box was left on top of an electric hob. The hob had been turned on accidentally by the family's pet dog.

Hob fire

Firefighters are highlighting the importance of keeping your hob clear after a kitchen fire in Basildon yesterday.

Crews were called to a house fire in Redgrave Road at 1:30pm.

On arrival, crews reported that the kitchen was smoke logged.

Firefighters believe the fire started when a chopping board left on the hob had caught alight.

Crew Manager Fin Tubby from Basildon Fire Station said: “Please keep your hob clear once you’ve finished cooking. We’ve seen fires where people have accidentally left the hob on or pets have jumped up and turned them on.

Control staff rescue lost dog following road traffic collision

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service's (ECFRS) control staff made their own rescue last night following a road traffic collision. 

The team provides a vital service by answering 999 calls and organsing resources across the county to make sure the right response reaches the right people in an emergency.

However, they aren't usually the ones to provide the rescue themselves. 

House fire - no working smoke alarms

Crews were called to a house in Winnock Road, Colchester, last night (Monday) after reports of a house fire. 

On arrival firefighters reported the fire was in an upstairs bedroom and quickly tackled it. 

Following an investigation, officers determined that the fire was caused by a fault in a digital timer that powered the immersion heater. 

Colchester Fire Station's White Watch Manager said:

"There were no smoke alarms in this man's home. As firefighters, we simply can not understand why there are still homes without smoke alarms. 

Horse rescue

Firefighters were called to rescue a horse, Bonnie, who was stuck in a ditch with three feet of water.

A vet was called to sedate Bonnie, to make the rescue safer.

Specialist animal rescue fire crews used lines and strops to pull Bonnie up the bank to safety.

Bonnie was rescued by 3pm and left in the care of it's owner.

Fire in an agricultural building

Crews were called to a farm in High Easter Road, Barnston, this morning (Sunday) after reports of a building fire. 

On arrival firefighters reported that an agricultural building, measuring around 20m x 25m was completely smoke logged and there was a small fire in the corner.

Watch Manager Mark Nevill, Leaden Roding Fire Station, said:

"I'd like to thank the farmer and farm staff for their assistance and teamwork.