Essex Fire crews were called to a blaze at Hadleigh Castle on Wednesday, August 5, were a large area of grassland was ablaze. A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue said: "We were called to Castle Avenue, Benfleet on Wednesday (5 August) at 2.38pm. "An area of grassland measuring around 16 metres by 20 metres was alight. Following an extensive period of hot weather, grasslands at Essex country parks are incredibly dry and remain very flammable, allowing fires to spread quickly. Essex fire crews are urged residents to reduce the risk of fires by following the strict no barbecue rule at any Essex country park, while also avoiding bonfires, fireworks and any other naked flames.