MID-Essex firefighters attended more than 2,800 incidents in 2019/20, according to official figures.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service compiles data on the total amount of callouts they get for each individual station.

These include fires, false alarms, and special services which include attending a road traffic collision, animal rescue and dealing with hazardous materials and flooding.

The stations included are: Braintree, Burnham, Chelmsford, Coggeshall, Great Baddow, Halstead, Maldon, Sible Hedingham, South Woodham Ferrers, Tillingham, Tiptree, Tollesbury, Wethersfield, and Witham.

According to the figures, crews from mid-Essex responded to a total of 2,819 incidents.

Within that 29.7 per cent (839) were fires, 28.8 per cent (812) were special services, and 41.4 per cent (1,168) were false alarms.

Since 2020 began, 55 full-time firefighters, 59 on-call firefighters, two control officers and 46 support staff have joined the service.

The full table of data can be read below:

Despite challenges this year, the teams have managed to deliver brilliant service in trying times.

Chief Fire Officer Jo Turton said: “Throughout a global pandemic, our service maintained a reliable and sustainable fire and rescue service that Essex can be proud of.

“Among some of the darkest days we've seen so many positive stories too, including our staff volunteering to help other emergency services and support the most vulnerable people in our County.

“The wellbeing of our staff was at the heart of everything we did, and to be able to move so quickly to make Covid safe workplaces and equip staff with new ways to do their work has been invaluable to our colleagues and the communities we serve.

“I want to thank our communities for the continued support they give to all of us at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

“2021 is already looking like a busy year to us, as we continue to adjust to the new normal and as always, work to make Essex a safe place to live, work and travel.”