Essex Fire Service issues summer wildfire warning following series of incidents
The warning, to avoid "bonfires, campfires, and disposable BBQs" comes after firefighters tackled two large wildfires and several smaller incidents in just one day.
Last Tuesday, crews from multiple stations descended on Wallasea Island to battle a huge wildfire that ripped through18 football fields-worth of nature reserve land.
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Yesterday, firefighters brought two more wildfires in Heybridge and Witham under control by using specialist vehicles and drones.
Blaze - Crews from multiple stations descended on Wallasea Island (Image: Richard Pryor)
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'Keep windows closed' warning as firefighters tackle large field blaze in Essex
Essex firefighters sent to help tackle wildfire after major incident declared
Fire crews monitoring Wallasea Island as fresh pockets of smoke reported
Essex County Fire Service area manager, Craig McLellan, said: 'Summer is always a busy time for us, and our teams are ready for whatever comes. But many of the fires we're seeing are preventable, and this is where the public can really help.
"Please avoid bonfires, campfires, and disposable BBQs while the ground is so dry. Even after a little rain, the risk remains high. Always stub out cigarettes fully and take your litter home, small actions can prevent big incidents.
"If you're in a rural area, the free app what3words can help us find you quickly in an emergency."
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