An investigation into two major wildfires in Essex has ended with the cause still unknown.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has concluded its investigation into two blazes at Middlewick Ranges in Colchester, which began just days apart in early August.
A spokesman said the cause of the fires is undetermined.
The first fire broke out on Friday, July 31, around 9.34am and required a large response, with around 50 firefighters tackling the flames throughout the day.
Crews remained on site into the following day to dampen down hotspots.
Two days later, on Sunday, August 2, a second fire erupted at the site.
This time, around 30 firefighters were deployed and people were urged to avoid the area.
Nearby residents, particularly those living on the Australian Estate, were advised to keep windows and doors shut due to the smoke.
The second fire was brought under control later that afternoon.
Both incidents caused significant damage to the surrounding fields.
Simon Hughes shared the aerial photos of the damage caused to the grassland and said he has carried out evening walks with a flashlight to deter anyone who may be thinking of starting a fire on the land.
The incidents occurred during a period of high fire activity in Essex, with 570 callouts recorded between July 24 and 30, alongside 2,029 emergency 999 calls.
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Following the blazes, Essex Fire has repeated safety advice for preventing wildfires during hot, dry weather, especially as the county was officially declared to be in drought conditions at the time.
The service has urged people to avoid using fireworks, lighting bonfires, or having barbecues on dry grass or in the countryside.
Residents are also reminded to dispose of cigarettes safely and take litter home, especially glass bottles, which can pose a fire risk.
Any information about deliberate fires can be reported anonymously to FireStoppers.
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