Essex: Farmer praised for helping extinguish field fire
27th August 2025
A local farmer has been praised for his efforts in helping the firefighters from Essex and Suffolk extinguish a blaze that broke out on a field in Great Maplestead.
Crews from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service worked alongside a local farmer to put out a field fire in Great Maplestead, near Halstead, on Tuesday, 26th August.
The fire had spread to a neighbouring field, and crews worked to extinguish it before the blaze spread to farm buildings.
Station manager Lee Hurst said: “A big thank you to the farmer on scene who acted quickly into the incident to put an effective fire break in, which meant we were able to get the fire under control quickly.”
Call for action on farmland fires
The NFU has recently called for government, fire services and local authorities to work with farmers to reduce the risk of farmland fires.
The union id calling for legislation to ensure combine harvesters are equipped with fire suppression mechanisms at the point of sale, plus public space protection orders on activities that risk wildfires, such as lighting barbeques and setting off sky lanterns.
NFU has urged the government to avoid changes in land management policies – particularly in the uplands – which could increase wildfire risk in dry conditions.
All fire services should also invest in a newly developed adapter to enable fire engines to access on-farm water bowsers and tanks.
READ MORE: Suffolk: Fire destroys combine harvester
How to avoid field fire
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has previously shared valuable advice on how to prevent field fires:
- Avoid having bonfires or disposable BBQs.
- Stub out all cigarettes properly before discarding of them.
- Take any litter home with you if you cannot find a bin.
- If you see someone starting a fire, please call 999 immediately.
READ MORE: Cambridgeshire: Driver rescued from tractor on fire
Read more farm safety news.
