TWO barns were destroyed after arsonist set off fireworks in a field.

The farm buildings which both measured 15 metres by 20 metres, in Oak Chase, Wickford were set alight at about 6pm on Wednesday July 20.

Residents living near to the barns said they were scared as the flames engulfed the buildings.

Sue Jenkins, of Oak Chase, Wickford said she tried to put the fire out with a hose.

She added: “I was in the garden with my daughter and we saw huge clouds of black smoke coming from the barns.

“I ran out and there was just smoke everywhere at first I didn’t know how much the fire was I thought it was just a small fire inside one of the barns.

“I ran around the outside of one of the barns with the hose and thought if it was small I could just put it out.

“There was an explosion as the roof was full of asbestos."

Ms Jenkins said she called 999 and she was told that she must get as far away from the fire as she could.

She added: “I was petrified that my house would go up in flames next.”

Eileen Brierley, 71, of London Road, Wickford said she herd very loud bangs and went out to have a look.

She added: “I was in the garden and saw all the black smoke blowing over from the fire and this loud noise which sounded just like big fireworks for a long time.

“I walked up the road to have a look but I couldn’t see anything because all the fire engines were blocking the view.

“The fire engines were also blocking the road and causing traffic problems because traffic couldn’t get past the fire engines.”

A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said “Three main jets, one hose reel jet and one ground monitor were used to extinguish the fire by 8.09pm.

"It is extremely irresponsible to start fires like this. Deliberate fires endanger lives and can cause serious damage to homes, businesses and the environment. They also needlessly tie up our firefighters who might be needed to attend emergencies elsewhere.

"People who deliberately start fires need to think about what they are doing. They not only risk injury to themselves and others, including firefighters, they also risk criminal prosecution and a fine or even a prison sentence.”