EIGHT fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Fen Lane in North Ockendon. Crews used backpack blowers, which work just like leaf blowers. They allow firefighters to push flames back into already burnt areas. A local farmer supported efforts by helping firefighters to create fire breaks, which are clear strips of land where long grass, dry leaves and other flammable plants have been removed. Fire crews from Hornchurch, Harold Hill, Dagenham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene, as well as crews from Essex Fire and Rescue Service.