Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has concluded its investigation into two blazes at Middlewick Ranges in Colchester, which began just days apart in early August. Emergency services at the scene of a fire in Middlewick Ranges (Image: Newsquest)Two days later, on Sunday, August 2, a second fire erupted at the site. The damage sustained to Middlewick Ranges (Image: Simon Hughes)The incidents occurred during a period of high fire activity in Essex, with 570 callouts recorded between July 24 and 30, alongside 2,029 emergency 999 calls. The service has urged people to avoid using fireworks, lighting bonfires, or having barbecues on dry grass or in the countryside. Residents are also reminded to dispose of cigarettes safely and take litter home, especially glass bottles, which can pose a fire risk.