More than 100 firefighters tackling blaze as fertiliser explodes at industrial unit in Essex

More than 100 firefighters tackling blaze as fertiliser explodes at industrial unit in Essex Locals said an explosion shook houses in the area - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments A major incident was declared and over 100 firefighters called after fertiliser exploded during a blaze which engulfed insutrial units and a field in Essex. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to farmland in Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, on Friday afternoon. 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. Locals said an explosion shook houses and sent a huge mushroom cloud towering into the sky. East of England Ambulance Service said they were responding to a "significant incident". Pictures show large plumes of dark smoke in the air which can be seen for several miles. According to the fire service’s call logs, the fire was first reported at 4:50pm and is ongoing, with firefighters expected to remain at the scene overnight. Steven Whan, 58, from Bicknacre, near Danbury, told the BBC he thought he had heard a jet's sonic boom when the explosion occurred. "Our house shook, the doorbell went off. I thought it was a sonic boom because we've experienced that before," he says. Whan adds: "The police have blocked off everything. You can't get nowhere near it." Another local, David Harris, who lives about six miles away from the blaze, said: "It sounded as though somebody dropped a sort of pallet of bricks or something just over the road, it was that loud, it was incredible." The emergency services have advised local residents to keep their windows and doors shut, while roads in the surrounding area have been shut by police. 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.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments