Firefighters called to blazes across county

2 hours ago

News image — A fire broke out at an industrial unit containing tyres in Little Waltham

ECFRS Fire officer in protective clothing and helmet stands in front of a pale -coloured one storey building. Smoke billows from the back of the unit. Shrubbery surrounds the site. — A fire broke out at an industrial unit containing tyres in Little Waltham

Firefighters in Essex have been tackling a number of fires across the county.

They were called to a large fire affecting 40 acres (16 hectares) of crops at Crows Lane, Woodham Ferrers – north of South Woodham Ferrers – shortly before 15:20 BST.

Ten crews are tackling the flames, which have been creating large plumes of smoke in the area, prompting warnings to the public to keep away from the area.

An Essex County Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said it was currently "responding to a number of fires across Essex, with some producing large amounts of visible smoke."

Stuart Woodward/BBC Clouds of black smoke rising into the sky above a foreground of houses and trees. — Large amounts of smoke could be seen several miles away from the Woodham Ferrers field fire in Chelmsford

Seven crews have also been dealing with a fire at Drakes Lane, Little Waltham, near Chelmsford.

Crews were called at 16:37 BST to find an industrial unit containing tyres on fire.

The service said the blaze was producing lots of smoke and urged residents nearby to keep doors and windows closed.

People have also been advised to stay away from the scene.

Fountains Media A large plume of dark black smoke emanates from a field fire. The land around it is parched dry. — Crews have been despatched to tackle a fire at a unit full of tyres in Little Waltham

Pete Walker/BBC A large plume of dark black smoke emanates from a fire. The land is parched dry and a line of green trees separates the field from the smoke. A fire engine is between the trees and field. — The fire service advises residents to keep windows and doors closed due to the Little Waltham fire

In a post on social media the fire service said it was also dealing with a fire affecting six hectares (15 acres) of grassland, hedges and trees in Great Warley Street, Great Warley, near Brentwood.

"Six crews, two off-road vehicles and a water bowser were dealing with the incident," it said.

It also asked the public "not to travel to incidents to watch or take photos, as this can make it harder for emergency vehicles to access the scene and make the scene safe".