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BRAVE neighbours joined forces to tackle a wildfire just metres from a solar farm.
When a blaze started at Mosklyn’s Farm, on land near Hazeleigh Hall, surrounding farmers leapt to action alongside 40 firefighters from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Tyler Dawson, who works at the neighbouring Church House Farm, spotted the fire on Friday afternoon (August 7) and raised the alarm.
He said: “I could see it was spreading very quickly.
“No one was called, other farmers saw the smoke and just rocked up to help.”
Helping hand – neighbouring farmers used their own water bowser to fight the fire. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)
Mr Dawson said that a neighbour’s water bowser, which could hold 8,000 litres, was crucial in controlling the blaze.
“That stopped it from being much worse,” he added.
“We would’ve been stuffed without that.”
Bob Stathern, who owns Mosklyn’s Farm, thanked those who stepped in to help prevent the fire from spreading through hundreds of metres of hedgerow.
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Mr Stathern recalled: “I was coming back from another farm with a load of grain.
“I saw the smoke and thought, ‘surely it’s not mine.’ But it was.
“I dropped the tractor and started discing.”
Mr Stathern used his tractor with an attachment to dig a fire break, which helped contain the flames.
He said a “special thanks” to the Coopers from South Woodham Ferrers and Alan Lowe from Limebrook Farm for their help, along with the fire service.
Bob O’Connor, owner of Church House Farm, said the fire came very close to the Maldon Wycke Solar Farm.
Close call – the flames came within 10 metres of Maldon Wycke Solar Farm. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)
He said: “There’s 90 acres of solar panels just over there. The fire got within 10 metres.
“That was the real danger – it’s massive.
“Luckily, there wasn’t much wind. Otherwise, the fire could have done millions and millions of pounds in damage.”
Emergency response – fire service group manager Ben Turner was one of 40 firefighters sent to the scene. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)
Firefighters stayed at the scene throughout the afternoon, to ensure all hot spots were fully cooled.
Ben Turner, group manager for the fire service, was one of the firefighters responding to the incident.
“We’d like to thank the local farmers and the community, who have helped us resolve this incident much faster,” Mr Turner added.
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