Pictures show scene at Middlewick Ranges as 25 firefighters work to put out blaze
Essex Fire and Rescue Service said 25 firefighters are on scene at Abbots Road, in Colchester, this evening.
A spokesperson for the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Around 25 firefighters are at the scene of a fire involving scrubland in Abbots Road, Colchester.
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Colchester's The Wick on fire with concerns for nearby homes and wildlife
Major fire with 'lots of smoke' breaks out in Colchester's Middlewick Ranges
A firefighter works at the scene of the fire in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)
"Firefighters are still at the scene. Anyone living nearby are advised to close their windows and doors as there is a lot of smoke in the area.
The burned grass at Middlewick Ranges following a fire this evening (Image: Newsquest)
"Anyone living nearby are advised to close their windows and doors as there is a lot of smoke in the area."
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The burned grass at Middlewick Ranges following a fire this evening (Image: Newsquest)
Smoke could be see billowing from the ranges earlier this evening.
Fire engines at Middlewick Ranges following a fire this evening (Image: Newsquest)
It could be seen from across Colchester.
Quentin Sage, scene commander, told the Gazette: "We need to make the public aware of the risks involved with wildfires, which we're classing this as now - and because of the size and intensity of it.
"The areas are very dry and there's rapid fire spread, and where people are setting little fires there's a risk that they'll chase the people and be quicker than what the people will get out of the areas.
"So there's a risk to life that we're really concerned about. So if people do see anything suspicious, if they can either contact us, directors of fire service, or do it through fire stoppers."
Burned grass and hedges at Middlewick Ranges following a fire this evening (Image: Newsquest)
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