Essex fire crews prevent large field fire from spreading

The blaze broke out with Essex Fire and Rescue Service's White Watch team in Harlow responding to the incident alongside crews from Chelmsford and Sawbridgeworth.

Firefighters worked quickly to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading further.

Black - the stubble has been left scorched (Image: Harlow Fire Station)

A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Approximately 10 acres of stubble caught fire, with the help of the farmer who ploughed around the fire, crews managed to stop the fire from spreading any further."

The incident comes amid a series of wildfires across the UK following a record-breaking summer of heatwaves and dry conditions.

On Friday, August 14, millions in England and Wales received a mobile alert warning of a "very high risk of wildfires nationally."

With five heatwaves and little rainfall, the risk of outdoor fires remains high.

Burned - the blaze tore through 10 acres of stubble (Image: Harlow Fire Station)

Area Manager Dan Partridge said last month: "While these hot and dry conditions continue, we are asking people not to use fireworks, light bonfires or have barbecues on or near dry grassland.

"It only takes a single spark or ember to start a fire that can spread rapidly through dry crops and vegetation.

"We’ve seen first-hand this week how quickly these fires can develop.

"They put lives at risk, place significant demand on emergency services and can devastate farmland, wildlife and people’s livelihoods in a matter of minutes.

"Most wildfires are preventable.

"Everyone has a part to play in protecting our countryside and communities."