Essex Fire and Rescue said it had responded to a "huge number" of fires across the county yesterday amid a prolonged dry-spell. Firefighters dealt with three incidents across the Rochford area yesterday, with one crew responding to a suspected deliberate blaze started on the Boulevard in Rochford behind Waterman Primary School at 6.27am. Steve Maguire, chair of the nearby Rochford Hundred Rugby Club said the fire was the latest in a string of "persistent issues" with fires in the area. The fire service said deliberate fires were the "last thing firefighters needed" as they were called to numerous incidents yesterday. Concerns over deliberate fires can be reported via: forms.theiline.co.uk/firestoppersIn an emergency, always call 999.