Firefighters were called to Gainsborough Avenue, Tilbury this morning after a tumble dryer set alight and spread to five outbuildings. 

Station Manager Jason Gould said: “When crews arrived they found a well developed fire which had spread to five outbuildings. This was also starting to spread to a nearby house but the quick actions of crews stopped it from spreading further. 

“Unfortunately the outbuildings have been severely fire damaged.” 

A fire investigation has found that the cause was an electrical fault in the tumble dyer. 

Update 7am (Monday 30 September) 

Firefighters remained at the scene overnight and are continuing to let the haystack burn under control. One crew is in attendance.

Firefighters from Rochford, Southend (two) and Rayleigh Weir are currently tackling a large haystack fire in Rochford. 

Crews were called to Lambourne Hall Road at 8.14pm. 

Station Manager Rick Williams said: "Crews are currently working to protect the surrounding area, it is approximately 180 tonnes of hay bales alight.

Firefighters were called to Buttsbury Wash near Mountnessing at 9:03am to reports of two people trapped in their car in floodwater. 

On arrival, crews from Billericay and Brentwood reported two people in a SUV were trapped in floodwater. 

Swift water rescue trained firefighters from Leigh were called to assist and rescued the two people using a water rescue sled.

Crews were called to an industrial unit warehouse after reports of a fire in a machine. 

On arrival firefighters reported that an industrial woven fabric oven had caught fire. The building, which measured around 250m x 150m, was also smoke logged. 

Watch Manager Ian Lighton said:

"Staff were working on site and noticed the machine had caught fire, so were able to call us very quickly.

"Our crews worked really hard to get the fire under control and stop it spreading, meaning the damage was contained to the oven and its components.

UPDATE Wednesday 18 September, 8pm

Crews extinguished the fire by 6.45pm but will remain at the scene into the evening to dampen down.

Crews are tackling a field fire in St Osyth.

We were called to Beach Road today (Wednesday 18 September) at 2.34pm and crews from Clacton and Weeley attended.

Due to difficult access and a limited water supply, Manningtree's Off Road Vehicle and crews from Colchester and Wivenhoe were also requested.

The fire was initially covering around 4,000 square metres of grassland.

Firefighters from Chelmsford rescued a dog called Bell who was trapped under a shed after chasing a fox.

The playful pooch and her sister were chasing a fox in the garden and got trapped under the shed. Her sister managed to get out but Bell and the fox got stuck. 

Watch Manager Nathan Godfrey said: “Crews worked quickly to dig out the side of the shed to release the fox, which was huge! Once the fox was out the way crews cut the floorboards out of the shed to release Bell. Both Bell and the fox came to no harm and we were able to reunite her with her happy owners."

Update: Tuesday 24 September, 3pm  

A fire investigation has been carried out and the cause has been recorded as accidental.

Update: Friday 20 September, 3.45pm

Almost a week after a fire broke out at the recycling centre fire in Hovefields Avenue, Basildon, fire officers have confirmed the fire is now out. 

Area Manager Craig McLellan said: “This was a drawn out incident that I’m pleased to say is now coming to an end. 

Firefighters rescued a small dog called Bella after she became trapped in thick undergrowth while walking in Runwell earlier today.

Crews were called to Downham Road, Runwell at 12:25pm where Bella was trapped in thick bushes after following her nose on her walk. 

Firefighters from Basildon used a ladder to cut away at the bushes as well as crawling into the undergrowth to safely rescue Bella.