Firefighters have rushed to the scene of a major fire and urged members of the public to keep doors and windows closed.
Emergency crews were called to the area of Basildon, Essex, this afternoon as thick plumes of black smoke can be seen billowing into the sky over the homes. Four fire engines are currently at the scene of the emergency at an industrial unitsite, where the flames spread to a number of parked lorries and some skips. Traffic is understood to be building on the nearby busy A13 road as Essex Police several road closures are in place this afternoon.
A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters are currently at the scene of an industrial unit fire in Vange Park Road, Basildon. Four crews from Basildon, Brentwood and Canvey were called at 2:20pm.
“On arrival, crews reported a fire in an industrial unit had spread to lorries and a number of skips. Firefighters requested additional crews from Grays, Rayleigh and Southend to help extinguish the fire in sections. Crews have extinguished the fire in the building and extinguished four lorry fires.
“Firefighters are currently working with on-site staff to remove 10 skips using plant machinery and extinguish the fires within the skips. The fire is producing lots of smoke so if you live or are travelling nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed.”
Group Manager Mark Eaglestone added: “The scene is producing lots of smoke. Please keep your windows and doors closed if you live nearby.”
A spokesman for Essex Police added: “We are supporting our fire service colleagues at the scene of a large fire in Vange Park Road in Vange.
“There are road closures in place, please avoid the area.
Several people shared their own images and videos of the blaze on social media. One person wrote: “It looks like Basildon is on fire, take care everyone.”
Last year another fire in Basildon caused dozens of firefighters to rush to Hovefields Avenue where a recycling centre caught alight. Essex Fire Service said crews would remain at the scene for at least 48 hours.
Residents were warned to shut doors and windows as smoke continued to plume into the air across the town in the southeast of the county. Group manager for the fire service, Dave Bond, said: “Residents and motorists in the area will see large plumes of smoke over the next few hours as crews continue to extinguish the fire.
“Please keep your doors and windows closed. Take extra care on the roads, but avoid the area if you can.”
Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories