Fire at Maldon nature reserve "started deliberately"

A fire that broke out at Chelmer Blackwater Reserve in Maldon yesterday afternoon has caused significant damage to the area’s wildlife and infrastructure. Firefighters were called to the scene at 1.20pm on 14 July and worked to extinguish a hectare of burning grassland.

Crews from Chelmsford, Witham, West Mersea, Billericay and Corringham came to support Maldon Fire station's response to the incident. Dramatic drone footage captured by Maldon Fire Station shows blackened, charred land, burnt trees and footpaths destroyed- firefighters believe the blaze was started deliberately.

In a statement, Maldon Fire Station said:

"Having been to this site twice previously within the last week, crews were aware of the difficult access in to the reserve and therefore ran equipment from the A414 Bypass and Tesco car park.

Using hosereels, backpack sprayers and beaters, the crew were soon joined by firefighters from our fantastic neighbouring stations.

The Reserve has sustained significant damage to wildlife habitats and some infrastructure enjoyed by the community including connecting paths and bridges have, sadly been destroyed.

It is thought the fire had been started deliberately and therefore anybody with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Firestoppers — just search ‘Essex Firestoppers.’

A big thank you to the hard work of the crew, patient residents and visitors of Maldon who may have been delayed during local road closures and also to Tesco, Maldon for keeping our crews hydrated during the incident.” Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.