An investigation is under way after firefighters acted quickly to snuff out a field fire in Colchester.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is working to find out if the blaze was deliberately started after witnesses saw four youngsters fleeing the field of standing corn near Brickwell Farm, off the roundabout by the Shrub End Civic Amenity Site on Maldon Road.
The first firefighters on the scene called for back-up amid fears as much as 40 hectares were at risk, but the request for an off-road Pinzgauer vehicle was cancelled as crews put out the flames using beaters and four hose reels.
The fire was dealt with by 4.55pm yesterday, about 35 minutes after the alarm was raised.
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