Firefighters were called to the scene near Third Avenue and Todd Brook at 3.45pm, where fires had spread through woodland into a derelict building and a nearby field. Essex Fire and Rescue Service believes the incidents were started deliberately and has urged the public to report any information that could help prevent further fires. A spokesman for the fire service said: "This is the last thing our firefighters needed today. The spokesman warned that deliberate fires are far from harmless. "If you know who is deliberately setting fires, please report it anonymously to FireStoppers."