A FIRE in Sible Hedingham has burned 100 acres of land after tinder-dry conditions and strong winds caused flames to spread rapidly across a number of corn fields.

Essex Fire and Rescue received a number of emergency calls as smoke billowed across Graves Hall Road on Sunday evening, with the incident visible from more than a mile away.

The fire started at about 5pm.

Gazette: Crews are expected to remain at the scene for much of Sunday eveningCrews are expected to remain at the scene for much of Sunday evening

Crews asked people to avoid the area, with the incident split into sectors to allow firefighters to surround the fire as quickly as possible.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said they expected crews to remain on the scene for a considerable time this evening.

The public were asked to avoid the area for their own safety.