Rochford Field Fire

A HUGE fire which ripped through a field in Rochford is now suspected to have been caused deliberately.

 The fire, which was reported at around 2.40pm on Thursday, August 29, saw eight hectares of fields burnt, nearby homes put at risk, and the destruction of a greenhouse.

 Four fire crews attended the field fire on a patch of grassland near Stambridge Road, as flames ripped through bushes, trees, and hedges.

 Nearby residents were asked to keep their doors and windows closed due to the amount of smoke.

 Whilst the fire raged for nearly three hours, residents began to fear it would spread to their homes.

 Police blocked the road whilst the dozens of fire fighters worked to tackle the fire.

 Although no one was injured in the blaze, Rochford resident John O’Dowd lost his beloved greenhouse to the incident, which exploded with what was reported as a “loud bang,”

 The fire was fully extinguished by 4.55pm.

 Fire fighters returned to the scene the following morning to dampen any remaining hotspots.

The fire service has now been praised for quickly bringing the huge blaze under control.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to a field fire near Stambridge Road, Rochford this afternoon.

 “On arrival, four crews reported a field fire was affecting approximately eight hectares of grassland and a number of trees.

 “Crews worked together to surround the fire and used a Water Bowser from Corringham to shuttle water to the scene.

 “Firefighters extinguished the fire by 4:55pm.”

 An arson investigation will be taking place.

 In the statement, the Essex Fire & Rescue Service stated that “preliminary enquiries found it had been deliberately started”.

 “An investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire.”

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