A huge fire broke out at industrial units on a farm in Essex on Friday, prompting a massive response from firefighters. According to eyewitnesses, the fire started at around 10:30am and quickly spread to multiple units, with flames reaching high into the air. More than 100 firefighters from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were sent to the scene, with multiple fire engines and specialist units in attendance.
The fire is believed to have been centred on a large industrial complex on the farm, which is used for storage and manufacturing purposes. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the exact cause of the blaze remains unclear. The farm's owners have stated that they are cooperating fully with the investigation.
Local residents were evacuated from the surrounding area as a precaution, with some roads closed due to the fire. The nearby A12 motorway was also partially closed, causing significant disruption to traffic. The fire is believed to have been brought under control by around 5pm on Friday, although it is not yet clear how long it will take to fully extinguish the blaze.
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has praised the bravery and professionalism of the firefighters who responded to the incident, stating that they prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with no official findings announced as yet.