Crews tackle fire affecting care home

UPDATE 2.50PM

The fire is now out and crews will remain at the scene for some time to monitor hotspots. 

27 residents have been safely evacuated and are being looked after by our blue light partners and care home staff. 

Group Manager Danny Partridge said: "Crews have worked extremely hard to extinguish the fire, and to stop it from spreading further. Unfortunately, parts of care home have suffered from smoke damage. 

"This has been a significant incident, and following a multi-agency meeting, I'd like to thank all of our partners and agencies who have worked together in the background to establish a safe plan for relocating the residents to appropriate accommodation. 

 "27 residents were safely evacuated to a temporary rest centre and are being looked after by the care home staff and blue light colleagues, thankfully nobody was harmed."

The scene will be left with the care home staff. 

Following a fire investigation the cause has been recorded as accidental.
 

Firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire affecting a care home. The fire is located in the disused part of the adjacent building. 

Care home residents and staff have been evacuated.

Please avoid the area while we work with our partners to make the scene safe. 

Incident Commander Craig McLellan said: "Firefighters are currently working hard to extinguish a fire in the roof of the building. This part of the building is not currently in use but is connected to the care home. We have evacuated everyone from the care home and are working with our partners from Essex Police and East of Essex Ambulance Service to keep people safe. 

"Please avoid the area while we work to extinguish the fire and make the scene safe."