Explosion as more than 100 firefighters tackle blaze at industrial site

A "significant" blaze at a large industrial unit in Essex caused supplies of fertiliser to explode as more than 100 firefighters tackled the flames.

Fire crews were called to the blaze on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, at 4.50pm on Friday.

People living near the site were told to keep their windows and doors closed, and a "major incident" was declared as thick black smoke engulfed the surrounding area.

A number of industrial units and a field caught alight, and while fire crews were at the scene, fertiliser in one of the units exploded.

In an update at 10.45pm, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been brought "under control and surrounded", and there had been no reports of any injuries.

Nearby residents have been evacuated and dozens of firefighters are expected to remain at the scene overnight.

The service's area manager Dave Bond said: "We're still at the scene of a significant fire in East Hanningfield.

"... we're still dealing with significant spots of fire. However, we do have this incident under control and surrounded.

"We're in the process of scaling back, but we do still have 50 firefighters on scene. We're still working closely with our partners, including police, ambulance, utility companies, and we also have a number of specialist advisers on scene, giving us support as we move through the night."

Mr Bond added: "The incident will be ongoing into the weekend, so please stay away from the area and allow us to continue operations. We apologise for any inconvenience this caused, and we thank you for your patience.

"The advice we're still giving to the public is that if you do smell smoke, then close your doors and windows. But please bear with us as we continue our operations to extinguish the fire."

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Colin Neale Jr was driving along the A13 near Dagenham when he saw the plumes of smoke.

He told Sky News earlier that, as he drove closer, he realised how big the fire was and decided to send his drone up over the fields.

Mr Neale said the drone showed "multiple fields" had caught fire and it appeared two industrial complexes were affected.

Local councillor Danielle Belton told Sky News: "The incident has really shook the community, the explosion was heard and felt for miles surrounding the site.

"As always, our fire and rescue service have shown an incredible display of bravery and dedication to getting the situation under control and to protect those closest to the incident."

A spokesman for East of England Ambulance Service said its hazardous area response team had gone to the scene.

(c) Sky News 2026: Explosion as more than 100 firefighters tackle blaze at industrial site