UK rural wildfires spark multi‑agency response in Essex and Devon

Firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service tackled an 18 ha field fire on 14 June near Langford Road, Wickham Bishops, after a combine harvester ignited dry stubble and bales. Crews from Colchester, Ingatestone, Leaden Roding, Maldon, Tiptree, Witham, Chelmsford and other stations were deployed, and the blaze was fully extinguished by 6:14 p.m. No structures were damaged, but the incident follows several other field fires in the county. Rural engagement officer Ollie Everott urged the public to help prevent wildfires, warning that “we need everyone’s help to prevent wildfires this summer.”

A separate wildfire erupted on 14 July near River Dart Country Park in Devon. The fast‑moving fire spread across two fields and a hedgerow, threatening a stable outbuilding. Fire crews from Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Totnes and Torquay worked together, using hose jets and beaters to bring the blaze under control. No buildings were damaged, and the service reminded residents to take extra care during warm weather to avoid sparking similar incidents.