FIRE CREWS battled for a couple of hours on Friday night after hundreds of tyres were set alight in South Ockendon.
The suspected arson attack took place at Buckles Lane, South Ockendon.
Firefighters used one hose reel to tackle a blaze involving 15 tonnes of tyres. Crews arriving at the scene had to navigate their way some 300 metres off Buckles Lane down a farm track to reach the blaze.
Firefighters said the pile of tyres was 100 per cent well alight and that flames had spread to undergrowth and neighbouring fields.
At 21:51 hrs, the incident commander requested the attendance of a third appliance for extra water and manpower as firefighting operations continue. The blaze is being extinguished using water and foam.
At 22:11 hrs, the incident commander reports that crews are using two hose reel hets and foam to tackle the blaze. A water relay has been set up and firefighting operations continue.
At 22:48 hrs, crews report steady progress. Firefighters are using two hose reels and foam.
The fire was out by23:06 hrs. The cause is thought to be deliberate.
Photo courtesy of Essex Fire and Rescue Service.
