Crews extinguish wildfire in Barling Magna

Update 8pm (Wednesday 16 July)

Crews have been dampening down and checking for hotspots in Little Wakering Road since the wildfire was extinguished this afternoon. They will be leaving the scene shortly.

Group Manager Mark Eaglestone said: "Do not be concerned if you see small amounts of smoke. Crews will re-visit the scene at around 10pm and again first thing in the morning."

Crews have extinguished a wildfire in Barling Magna.

We were called to a large area of grassland alight - around 15 hectares - in Little Wakering Road today (Wednesday 16 July) at 2.17pm.

Crews from Leigh, Shoeburyness, Southend (two), Rayleigh Weir, Rochford, a water bowser from Corringham and an off road vehicle from Chelmsford were in attendance at the height of the incident.

Police had to temporarily close roads in the area to allow appliances to use hydrants.

Firefighters surrounded the fire by 3.20pm, protecting outbuildings, vehicles and hay bales, and were able to reduce the number of crews to three at around 4pm.

Crews will revisit the scene this evening.

An investigation will be carried out to establish the cause.