A significant blast at a farm in Essex has caused buildings up to 15 miles away to shake, as captured in footage showing a large ball of flames emerging from the site.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has mobilized over 100 firefighters to tackle a “major industrial unit fire” located off Southend Road, positioned between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, near Chelmsford.
The fire, believed to be at Highlands Farm, has been labeled a major incident due to its extensive scale. Emergency services are actively responding to the situation, with police enforcing a wide cordon around the affected area.
Residents are advised to keep windows and doors shut if in proximity to the incident area, and to avoid the scene as firefighters continue to manage the situation.
The fire service has now reduced its response to 50 firefighters within 10 crews after an initial deployment of around 100 firefighters to contain the blaze at an industrial unit in East Hanningfield.
Area Manager Dave Bond provided an update, stating that although the fire is significant, it is under control with no immediate threat to the public. Efforts are focused on preventing the spread of the fire to nearby properties.
Fertilizer within one of the units ignited, leading to an explosion heard and felt by residents across the county. Despite the dramatic event, authorities assure the public that safety measures are in place.
The situation is being closely monitored, with ongoing efforts to manage the fire throughout the night. Residents are urged to keep windows and doors closed due to the significant smoke produced by the incident.
Road closures are in effect to facilitate firefighting operations, and the public is encouraged to avoid the area for safety reasons. The situation is being managed, and authorities appreciate the public’s cooperation.
The incident log from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reported the fire originating at an industrial unit on Southend Road at 4:50 pm, with subsequent reports of an explosion in the area.
Residents across Essex have reported feeling the impact of the explosion, emphasizing the widespread reach of the incident.
Area Manager Dave Bond emphasized the scale of the fire in a video update, requesting patience from the public as they continue to address the situation.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has classified the incident as a major one due to its extensive nature, with significant smoke still emanating from the site.
Authorities advise the public to steer clear of the affected area as the situation unfolds.
The explosion took place at Highlands Farm, a commercial and industrial business park on Southend Road, impacting multiple structures and vehicles on the premises.
Observations from various locations in Essex, including the Thames Estuary, confirm the visibility of smoke from the incident along Southend Road.
Aerial images reveal multiple areas of fire on the premises, further highlighting the magnitude of the situation.
Local residents commend the swift response of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to the industrial unit fire on Southend Road, praising their efficiency.
Eye-witnesses described the intense impact of the explosion, with reports of shaking buildings and windows from miles away.
Efforts to extinguish the fire at the industrial unit on Southend Road continue, with a strong emphasis on safety measures for nearby residents.
East of England Ambulance Service is actively involved in the response to the incident, underlining its significance.
Videos shared online capture the dramatic explosion at the industrial unit, providing a glimpse into the severity of the situation.
Residents’ accounts of feeling the blast echo the widespread impact of the explosion, underscoring the intensity of the event.
Authorities urge caution and emphasize safety measures for those living nearby, reinforcing the need to avoid the area.
The incident has garnered attention across multiple platforms, with people sharing their experiences of the explosion’s effects from considerable distances.
Updates from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reiterate safety precautions for residents near the ongoing incident, emphasizing the need for caution.
Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are expected to provide further information on the incident as details unfold.
A map outlines the location of the fire at the industrial unit on Southend Road, situated between East Hanningfield and Rettendon near Chelmsford, Essex.
The blaze at the industrial unit on Southend Road has prompted Essex Fire Service to advise residents to secure their properties by keeping windows and doors closed.
Testimonies from local residents highlight the impact of the explosion, with reports of the blast being felt several miles away from the site on Southend Road.
Residents from various areas have shared their accounts of the explosion, reflecting on the intensity of the incident and its far-reaching effects.