A CREW of firefighters from nearby Orsett fire station quickly dealt with a small blaze by the side of an A13 slip road this afternoon (Sunday, 4 October).

They alerted to the blaze, which had been started just before 2.30pm by a footpath leading from Baker Street.

It is a place crews visit fairly regularly as burnt trees and bushes from previous fires showed.

Metal exposed by the fire after the flames were doused.

The seat of the fire appeared to be coils of cabling. It's common for thieves to dump them, set fire to them to remove the plastic and return when the fire is burnt out to collect the scrap copper and other metal that is exposed.

Police officers also attended the incident and will be attempting to forensically find the origin of the material, which they also will try to move to a place where no profit can be made.

The fire was called in by Nub News editor Neil Speight, who was passing and saw the riding plume of black smoke. Investigating the source he immediately rang 999.

He said: "The response was very quick and the fire quickly put out, once again showing the efficiency of our fire service.

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"However small the fire might be, each time crews have to go out they are at risk. This is not just criminality, it's endangerment.

"What was left at the site clearly shows this was a deliberate act, and in all probability someone will be along to collect the spoils of their endeavours.

"I'd like to think if the stuff shown up in the picture turned up at a scrap dealer's they call it in, but I won't be holding my breath. Nor, I suspect will police, though it was good that they also attended quickly and there is the possibility they may be able to shift it before the criminals do.

"It's another vivid example of the criminality infesting our borough."

Mr Speight added: "I've been out and about covering a lot of fires in the area recently. I'd like people to know that's because I'm an observant and informed lol hack but it's also been pointed by cynical friends that the frequency of my attendance might make me a suspect.

"Honest guv, I'm not a firestarter😀".