Braintree Council has issued a public thank you to firefighters as crews continue to tackle a surge in wildfires across Essex during the current spell of hot, dry weather.
In a social media post, representatives praised the work of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, highlighting their response to a recent incident in Hatfield Peverel.
Firefighters were called to Church Road at around 9pm on Sunday after reports of approximately 100 metres of field alight.
Crews were able to quickly locate and extinguish the blaze, with officials noting the role of callers using the what3words app to pinpoint the exact location.
A spokesperson for the council said: "SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE SAID...
"THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for everything you are doing to keep the district and Essex safe as we continue to see wildfires almost daily.
"Most wildfires in the UK are caused by human activity.
"Every year, wildfires destroy large areas of countryside and wildlife habitats, causing long‑lasting damage to the environment.
"Wildfires can spread quickly and threaten homes and infrastructure, particularly during warm, dry weather.
"Over the past few weeks we’ve seen many wildfires taking place across Essex."
The message comes as councils, including Braintree Council, warn wildfire risk is currently heightened due to prolonged dry conditions.
Across the county, fire crews have been dealing with near-daily incidents in recent weeks, many of which are believed to have been caused by human activity.
Wildfires can spread rapidly, particularly in dry weather, and pose a serious threat to homes, wildlife habitats and infrastructure.
Each year, large areas of countryside are damaged, with long-lasting environmental impacts.
In response, residents are being urged to take extra care when spending time outdoors this summer.
Advice from authorities includes:
- Avoid lighting open fires or using disposable barbecues in the countryside. Many parks, campsites and open spaces prohibit them entirely.
- Refrain from having bonfires during hot and dry conditions, as even a small ember can ignite dry vegetation.
- Take all litter home, particularly glass bottles, which can intensify sunlight and start fires.
- Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999 to help prevent escalation.
Officials are also encouraging the public to download the free what3words app, which can assist emergency services in locating incidents quickly, especially in rural or hard-to-identify areas.
The council said it remains “incredibly grateful” for the continued efforts of firefighters working to keep communities safe, adding that public vigilance will play a crucial role in reducing the number of incidents over the summer months.
Share