DESPITE constant warnings about residents and businesses taking care during the current heatwave and Essex Fire and Rescue Service highlighting the dangers of any type of open fire, a careless act in East Tilbury today (Wednesday, 20 July) led to another big field blaze.

Firefighters across Thurrock and the wider county have been stretched to the limit dealing with field fires and their consequences, the most serious of which saw a number of homes destroyed on the borough border yesterday in a raging blaze that was described as 'hellfire' by crews who fought it.

Today's blaze saw a large area of recently harvested agricultural land set alight as flames ripped across stubble. The incident happened in a field to the east of East Tilbury Road.

Reportedly it was started by a bonfire on an adjacent property, though some residents have suggested it was the illegal burning of industrial materials.

Initially two crews were sent to the scene and reported that the fire was spreading quickly. A further four crews were called to assist and crews acted quickly to surround the fire - which was affecting five acres of stubble. Firefighters extinguished the fire by 2pm.

Group Manager Mark Eaglestone said: "Quick action from members of the public who called us and quick action from firefighters on scene who worked exceptionally hard prevented this fire from spreading.

"Please do not have fires in this dry weather, we'd advise against having any bonfires, campfires or disposable BBQs while the vegetation is still tinder dry.

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"Hold off until we've had some more rain. While the temperature has dropped significantly, we still have lots of dry vegetation and it only takes an ember to start a wild fire."