Firefighters tackled an enormous field fire on Steam Mill Road, between Manningtree and Bradfield Heath.

Firefighters were called to the scene shortly after 2pm today, where approximately 100 square metres of land was found to be alight.

Four engines were used to fight the blaze, including two from Colchester, one from Clacton and one from Dovercourt.

One passer-by, Holly Harrison-Watson, said she saw smoke while on the way to Bradfield with her daughter, Isla. She drove past the fire on Steam Mill Road just as the fire brigade was closing off the road.

“It was a fairly big fire,” she said. “They closed off the road as it had spread very close to the road as there was a lot of wind.”

East Anglian Daily Times: The scene of the fire near Bradfield Heath Picture: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSONThe scene of the fire near Bradfield Heath Picture: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSON (Image: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSON)

Mrs Harrison-Watson added that she was worried by the proximity of the blaze, but felt the emergency services soon had the situation under control.

She said: “I was really worried but our fantastic fire service responded very quickly and the farmer I believe ploughed the field to help stop the fire from spreading.

“My daughter Isla was pleased to see it was put out very quickly and said ‘great fire fighters mummy’.”

A spokesperson for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters were called to a large field fire this afternoon.

East Anglian Daily Times: The fire consumed appropximately 100 square metres Picture: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSONThe fire consumed appropximately 100 square metres Picture: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSON (Image: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSON)

“Crews reported on arrival that around 100 square metres of crops were on fire.

“Crews worked hard to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further, before using beaters to fully extinguish remaining hotspots within the field.

“The fire was extinguished completely by 2.57pm.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Four fire engines are currently at the scene Picture: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSONFour fire engines are currently at the scene Picture: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSON (Image: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSON)

East Anglian Daily Times: Smoke seen from a neighbouring road Picture: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSONSmoke seen from a neighbouring road Picture: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSON (Image: HOLLY HARRISON-WATSON)