Field fire in Maldon

Update 5pm 

Firefighters have extinguished the fire and left the incident. Crews believe the fire was started deliberately. 

Many wildfires are started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless, or irresponsible behaviour. If you see or suspect someone of acting suspiciously, recklessly, or irresponsibly in the countryside contact the Police on 101 or pass information anonymously by visiting the FireStoppers website or call 0800 169 5558.

Firefighters are currently tackling a field fire near Chelmer Blackwater Reserve in Maldon. 

If you live in the area please keep all your windows and doors shut as there is a lot of smoke coming from the incident. 

Firefighters from Maldon, Witham, West Mersea, Billericay and Chelmsford (two) are in attendance. 

Crews are working to extinguish a hectare of grass which is alight. 

Road closures: the A414 will be closed from the Spital Road roundabout to the next roundabout until it is safe to reopen.