A 200 tonne pile of horse manure was set alight in Halstead.
The heap, at the top of Tidings Hill, opposite Grange Close, was set fire to deliberately at about 5pm on Tuesday, according to Essex Fire and Rescue.
When two fire engines from Halstead arrived at 5.15pm, the pile was 20 per cent alight.
Using two jet hoses, they reduced the fire to only 10 per cent of the muck heap by 6.30pm.
The firemen left by 7pm, returning several times throughout the night and into Wednesday morning to dampen down the fire and treat any hot spots.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here