Firefighters tackle huge blaze in Ardleigh

Ten crews and several off-road vehicles were called to the scene of a large field fire near Harwich Road, Ardleigh, at 2.40pm on Wednesday.

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

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said crews contained the fire and worked tirelessly to extinguish it.

Impact - A view from above of the devastation. Credit: Essex Fire and Rescue Service

The brigade advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed because of the smoke and others were advised to avoid the area altogether.

The fire was extinguished on Wednesday by 6.15pm and crews remained on the scene for a few more hours to dampen the area down.

Nick Singleton, station manager, 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.”

Aftermath - The result of the fire. Credit: Essex Fire and Rescue Service

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

Mr Singleton added: “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.”