Massive Fire Engulfs Essex Industrial Site, 100 Firefighters Battle Blaze Near Chelmsford

A large fire ripped through an industrial site near the A12 in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, on Thursday evening, requiring more than 100 firefighters to bring it under control. Emergency services declared a major incident as plumes of smoke were visible for miles across the county.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reported that crews were dispatched to the scene on Ferrers Road shortly after 19:30. The incident involved multiple industrial units. Residents in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the substantial smoke emanating from the site.

By 22:00, crews were making progress in containing the blaze, though the operation continued into the early hours. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.