FIREFIGHTERS were called to a fire in a nature reserve after residents spotted the blaze “before it spread and destroyed swatches of woodland”.

Mercedes Jenkins was walking through Vange Hill Nature Reserve at around 8.50pm on Wednesday when she saw a “bright red and orange light”.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and quickly extinguished the flames as they began to spread.

Mercedes said: “Me, my partner and his daughter were walking through the field and my partner’s daughter noticed a bright red and orange light.

“She was excited and wanted to run ahead to have a look but my partner said no, knowing it could be a burnt out motorcycle or anything along those lines.

“The fire brigade who arrived in a super speedy five to 10 minutes, 15 minutes later they had it under control and were on their way.”

Mercedes added: “We’re not sure how to feel about it, obviously if it went out of control there could be serious consequences but at the same time it brings to mind what could’ve been the cause. It could’ve even been a cigarette butt for all we know, or kids for example, but what leads them to this?”

An Essex Fire spokesman said: “Firefighters confirmed it was dry grass which was alight. The cause was recorded as accidental or deliberate, both possibilities.”