Northwick Road, Canvey fires take crews hours to extinguish

The firefighters were called to reports of smoke in the area of Northwick at 5.06pm. Firefighters found trees, bushes, hedgerows and grassland covering about one acre alight.

Crews from Corringham, Rayleigh Weir, Shoeburyness and Hawkwell attended. Due to the remote location, Corringham's water bowser, which provides high volumes of water, and two off road vehicles were sent to assist.

Efforts - Firefighters on the scene

Firefighters used beaters, backpack sprayers and hoses to extinguish the fire by 6.11pm.

However, as they were checking for hotspots, a second fire took hold nearby. Both fires were fully extinguished by 8.13pm.

Arson - The cause has been recorded as deliberate.

A spokesman for Essex Fire Service said: "The cause has been recorded as deliberate. Please help to keep everyone safe in this hot weather. Don’t have bonfires or campfires, barbecues Dispose of cigarettes responsibly – make sure they’re properly out and not near to dry ground Don’t jump into open water – if you don’t know how deep it is or what’s in it, it’s not worth the risk."

It comes as the service has appealed to the public for their support throughout this week amid record-breaking temperatures and dry conditions. 

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Control operators have received more than 300 calls since midnight on Tuesday – with firefighters attending more than 130 incidents as of 4pm today, following 157 on Monday. 

A spokesman added: "Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to only call 999 in a genuine emergency and to help us to help you, by following our safety advice. 

"Please don’t have bonfires or campfires, Don’t have barbecues, If you’re a smoker, dispose of cigarettes responsibly – make sure they’re properly out and not near to dry ground 

"Don’t jump into open water – if you don’t know how deep it is or what’s in it, it’s not worth the risk. If you get into trouble – remember to float to live and try to alert others."