Large Field Fire On 23rd July 2022, Firefighters were called to the scene of a large field fire in Church Road, Ongar just after 1pm. Around four hectares - or 40,000 square metres - of standing corn were alight. Smoke could be seen from some distance away. Firefighters worked hard to surround the fire and prevent it from spreading further. Advice was given to people living and working in the local area to keep your windows and doors closed. Shortly at 3pm, with thanks to the the incredible hard work of firefighting crews, the fire was under control.
Safety in a heatwave advice Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is asking the public to keep fire safety at the front of their minds during a heatwave.
Photo and information Courtesy of Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
The Service has had a busy time dealing with wildfires and fires that have spread quickly due to the hot and dry weather. Area Manager Neil Fenwick said: “Summer is a busy time for us and we need your help to prevent accidental fires. With the weather being so hot and dry, it’s much easier than usual for a fire to start. “First of all, please do not have any bonfires or any campfires. Vegetation in fields and trees at the moment are dangerously dry and bonfires and campfires could quite easily spread into fields. “Not only can they spread along the ground but they can spread quite easily through embers up in the air and travel great distances to be able to start elsewhere. We saw this on a few occasions over a weekend where embers from bonfires and barbecues that had not fully cooled had been picked up in the breeze and caught sheds, decking and even houses alight, making a couple of families homeless. “If you do want to have a barbecue, please make sure you barbecue safely - set barbecues up well away from sheds, trees and fences etc and stay with your barbecue at all times until it has fully cooled. “Please don't use disposable barbecues on the ground, the ground is just too dry and these can quickly turn into wildfires. Pack a picnic instead.” With the risk of wildfires being high, the Fire Service is advising against using fireworks or sky lanterns as part of any celebra-
Neil also said: “Another big cause of fires in hot and dry weather is discarded cigarettes. These are often thrown out of windows or dropped on the floor without a thought, but they can smoulder and catch the tinder dry grass alight quite quickly. “Make sure all cigarettes are properly stubbed out before you dispose of them.” “Please stay safe out there and remember the fire crews and control staff that were working through this hot period to keep you safe.” For more safety advice, visit: essex-fire.gov.uk/ staysafe
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Tel: 07814 863955
Email: june@northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk
