People urged to avoid bonfires after field fire

Ben Stapleton said people should avoid having bonfires while the weather gets hotter

A fire service has warned people against starting bonfires after one got out of control in a field and damaged four acres of grassland.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said crews from three stations were called to a field fire on Bicknacre Road, in Bicknacre, at about 12:55 BST on Thursday.

Firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading to houses and it was extinguished by 13:50.

Ben Stapleton, station manager, said: "This fire was caused by a bonfire burning out of control and we'd urge anyone planning to have a bonfire as the weather gets hotter to hold off until we've had some more rain."

Mr Stapleton said with the ground being very dry, bonfires can "quickly" spread out of control.