THE fire service has concluded that the cause of a woodland fire is undetermined.

Firefighters worked hard to prevent the spreading of a fire at Maypole Road, Heybridge, last night.

Crew from Maldon, Chelmsford, Witham and a water bowser from Halstead were in attendance.

A picture taken by the Heybridge Wood Wildlife and Habitat Group shows the flames which affected one hectare of woodland.

The group is calling for a meeting with The Land Trust and Countryside Properties to discuss Heybridge Wood.

A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our crews worked quickly to stop a fire in the open from spreading in Maypole Road, Heybridge, last night.

“Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area as there was a lot of smoke coming from the one hectare of woodland, bushes and hedgerows which were alight.”

Station manager Howard Midwood said: “Crews did a fantastic job and had the fire surrounded very quickly.

“Maldon firefighters were first on the scene and praise needs to go them and watch manager Martin Cable for their early work in stopping this fire from spreading.”

The fire was out at 10.19pm and the cause is undetermined