A significant explosion at a farm in Essex has caused buildings to shake up to a distance of 15 miles, with video footage capturing a massive ball of flames emerging from the location.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has reported that over 100 firefighters are currently at the site of a “large industrial unit fire” situated off Southend Road, positioned between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, near Chelmsford.
The fire, believed to be located at Highlands Farm, has been classified as a major incident due to its extensive scale. Emergency services, including the East of England Ambulance Service, are actively responding to the situation, with a significant area around the blaze cordoned off by the police.
Authorities have advised residents in the vicinity to keep their windows and doors shut and to avoid the area while emergency services handle the incident.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has now reduced its response team to 50 firefighters across 10 crews after initially deploying around 100 firefighters to tackle a significant fire involving industrial units at a farm in East Hanningfield.
Area Manager Dave Bond provided an update, stating that the fire is currently under control with no broader risk to the public. Efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the fire to nearby homes. Residents have been evacuated, and Southend Road has been closed to ensure a safe working environment.
The situation is expected to be monitored throughout the night due to the substantial smoke production. Roads in the area will remain closed, and individuals are urged to avoid the vicinity for safety reasons and to cooperate with emergency services.
Reports from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log indicate that the fire was first reported at an industrial unit off Southend Road at 4:50 pm. Subsequently, an explosion was heard by residents across parts of Essex about an hour later.
Area Manager Dave Bond emphasized in a video update that the fire’s magnitude has led to its classification as a major incident. Despite progress in containing the fire, public patience is requested as efforts continue to extinguish it completely.
The incident at Southend Road, involving a major fire, has caught the attention of many observers. Aerial imagery showcases the impact on multiple structures and vehicles within the facility, with smoke visible from various locations, including the Thames Estuary.
Local residents have commended the swift response of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service crews to the fire at the industrial unit. Witnesses have described feeling the explosion and witnessing the aftermath, underscoring the reach and impact of the incident.
Authorities are yet to provide a formal statement on the response by Essex Police to the large fire at the industrial unit on Southend Road. Eye-witnesses have shared their experiences, detailing the shockwaves felt miles away from the site.
The explosion at Highlands Farm has generated significant interest and concern among residents, with many expressing their shock at the intensity of the blast. The incident is being closely monitored by relevant agencies to ensure public safety and containment of the fire.