FIREFIGHTERS this morning remain at the scene of a huge fire which engulfed a wood pile in Essex.

More than a dozen crews from across the county were dispatched to tackle the blaze which broke out the Mid Essex Gravel Pit on the A130 at Little Waltham last night.

The large wood pile, measuring about 300m by 100m and 10m high, was at least 60% alight when crew arrived shortly after 7pm and the wind direction was hampering firefighting operations.

A building used to store recycling materials adjacent to the wood pile was at risk from the radiating heat and crews worked to protect the building using covering jets monitors.

By 9pm firefighters were allowing the fire to burn in a controlled state and had successfully protected the building adjacent to the fire.

Divisional Officer John Moulson-Incident Commander said: “Fire crews were confronted with a large wood pile alight at Mid Essex Gravel this evening, firefighters worked quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to a building adjacent to the wood pile on fire, and have managed to save the property from being destroyed.

“Crews expect to be at the incident throughout the night and will continue to monitor the burning wood pile.”

By 11pm the fire was surrounded and crews used the high-volume pump as well as pinzgauer off road vehicle is assisting crews access a water supply.

Four fire appliances remain at the scene of the fire this morning and crews will be monitoring the fire throughout the day.