Rochford family feared evacuation as field fire spread

Dozens of firefighters were called to Stambridge Road, Rochford yesterday as flames engulfed a field and spread towards neighbouring homes.

Residents were urged to keep their windows and doors closed as smoke billowed into the sky.

Jason Edwards, a dad-of-four, described it as “frightening’’, as his children began packing a bag over fears they would be evacuated.

The dad, 42, said: “Our home backs on to the field the fire was in. My partner came back from work and said there was smoke coming from the field.

“We went to the top floor and looked out, and it was in the very early stages. But there was lots of smoke, and the flames which started is the top concern. The wind was blowing the flames across the field.”

Frightening - Burnt out field in Stambridge Road, Rochford (Image: Kim Lovegrove)

After engulfing the field, the flames began to spread towards homes and Jason described seeing the blaze spread to the trees and hedges at the rear of residents’ gardens.

“Initially, the flames were going away from our house, but as it is windy, it was spreading across the whole field and heading towards the hedges at the back of people’s gardens,” he added.

“It wasn’t long before the flames engulfed most of the field. It then started catching on the edges of people’s garden with huge flames as the fire touched the trees.

“I have got my four kids home as it is the summer holidays. They started to pack a bag in case we had to leave.

“Our neighbours were all out on the street. We saw around 10 to 15 fire engines heading over there. Police had turned up and blocked our road.

“I was worried we were going to have to evacuate and leave the house as it was getting closer.

“The firefighters were scattered everywhere to try and contain it and stop it spreading.

“It was pretty frightening as you think the worst-case scenario, trying to keep an eye on it. It ended up less than 50 metres from our home. It was pretty close.”