Crews call for public's help after Middlewick Ranges fire

Firefighters have tonight responded to another fire at Middlewick Ranges in Colchester. 

Crews were called at 7.36pm this evening (22 September) to reports of grass and shrubland alight at Middlewick Ranges, near the Speedwell Road area of the city.

Speaking from the scene after the fire was extinguished, Station Commander Nick Singleton said: "We’ve been to Middlewick Ranges quite a few times in recent days.

"Tonight, our crews did an excellent job in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading.

"We’ve been working very closely with both the military and Essex Police to ensure residents are kept safe at all times. However, residents can help us by keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity and reporting it directly to Essex Police."*

Two crews from Colchester, supported by firefighters from Tiptree and West Mersea, worked hard to make the area safe. A drone was also used to check for any additional hotspots.

A water bowser from Halstead was deployed to shuttle water and support crews tackling the fire.

The fire was extinguished by 9.45pm. Firefighters remained on scene to check for any additional hotspots.