A12 Boreham closed as field fire sends smoke across carriageway

Firefighters were called to the scene near Main Road, Boreham around midday on Wednesday, June 12.

Nine crews worked to extinguish the field fire which was affecting about 25 acres of stubble.

The fire measured about 25 acres (Image: Essex Police Rural Engagement Team)

Crews from Chelmsford, Basildon, Brentwood, Witham, Maldon, Rayleigh Weir and Hawkwell, Stansted and Burnham were at the scene.

Residents were advised to keep  windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke coming from the scene.

Firefighters worked to prevent the fire spreading to nearby properties as well as working to extinguish the fire."

Nine crews tackled the fire at its peak (Image: Essex Police Rural Engagement Team)

As a result of the smoke billowing across the A12, the London-bound junction was closed between Junction 18 Sandon and Junction 19 Boreham.

#A12 southbound - CLOSED - at J19 (Boreham) - reports of a nearby field fire - causing heavy smoke to blow across the carriageway between J19 and J18 - the road has been closed for safety - diversion through Chelmsford - expect delays pic.twitter.com/060n5LG9Z1

— Essex & Suffolk Traffic (@TrafficUK01) July 12, 2023

Long delays were in place and a diversion route was implemented.

The A12 was reopened at about 3pm, with short delays remaining for some time after the incident.

Station Manager Nick Singleton said: "I'd like to praise our firefighters, particularly crews from Chelmsford and Witham who were first to arrive and stopped the fire from spreading.

"Due to the wind direction, the fire was getting very close to some houses but crews surrounded the fire quickly.

"I'd also like to thank residents who gave our crews the space they needed to get on with their job, the farmer who helped us by creating fire breaks and Essex Police who closed the A12 for a short time."

Although the fire is out, a crew using one of our off-road vehicles will remain at the scene this afternoon to make sure it does not reignite.

It is believed the cause was a bonfire accidentally burning out of control.

Mr Singleton added: "Please be especially careful if you choose to have a bonfire when it is dry and windy. As this incident shows, they can quickly get out of control."