Firefighters Extinguish 3.5 Acre Wildfire in South Woodham Ferrers

A wildfire broke out on Creekview Road in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, consuming approximately 3.5 acres of grassland on April 2. Fire crews from South Woodham Ferrers, Burnham, Rayleigh Weir, and Wickford were dispatched at 7:04 PM and managed to extinguish the flames within an hour and 21 minutes. In light of the situation, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reiterated the importance of wildfire safety, urging the public to dispose of litter properly and avoid campfires and disposable barbecues. Group Manager Mark Eaglestone emphasized that even a small ember could ignite dry grass and vegetation during warm weather. Residents are encouraged to call 999 in the event of a wildfire and use the what3words app to assist emergency services in locating them. The incident occurred following a Met Office forecast predicting warm weather, which heightened the risk of wildfires.