A major incident was declared and residents evacuated after fertiliser exploded during a blaze which engulfed industrial units and a field in Essex.
Fire crews were called to the blaze on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, at 4.50pm on Friday, according to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s website.
A number of industrial units and a field caught alight, and while fire crews were on scene fertiliser inside one of the units exploded – which people across the county reported hearing and seeing, area manager Dave Bond said.
Nearby residents have been evacuated while the fire is being extinguished and everyone at the scene is safe, he added.
About 100 firefighters worked to tackle the fire, and some are expected to be at the scene overnight.
Mr Bond said: “This is a significant fire but we have it under control and there is no wider risk to members of the public.
“A number of industrial units have caught alight as well as a field and crews have been working to prevent the fire spreading to nearby houses.
“While on the scene, fertiliser inside one of the units exploded and residents across the county have reported hearing and feeling it.
“This is why we declared a major incidents and I want to reassure our residents that there is no wider risk to the public at this time.
“Everybody at the scene is safe, residents nearby have been evacuated while we put the fire out and Southend Road is currently closed to allow us more space to work safely.
“We expect to be at the scene throughout the night. It is producing lots of smoke so we recommended keeping your windows and doors shut if you live nearby.
“Roads will remain closed, please avoid the area and thanks for your patience.”
A spokesman for East of England Ambulance Service said it had declared a critical incident and its hazardous area response team was in attendance.
Smoke plumes could be seen billowing in the sky in photos and videos posted online, while some locals have said they heard explosions.
East of England Ambulance Service posted on X saying: “We are attending an incident in East Hanningfield together with@ECFRS and @EssexPoliceUK. Please avoid the area and, if you live locally, follow the advice of the fire service.”
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