Crews tackle fire affecting terraced houses

An Essex Police statement below reads:

Officers have quickly arrested a man after being called to reports of a fire in South Woodham Ferrers this afternoon (Wednesday 7 August)

We attended the incident in Treebeard Copse at 5.30pm along with our Essex County Fire and Rescue Service colleagues.

Officers worked at pace and within two hours they arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He is currently in custody.

A shed and a small number of terraced properties were damaged by the fire and South Woodham Ferrers Town Council has set up a rest centre in Champions Manor Hall in Hullbridge Road offering support for residents and families affected.

This is being treated as an isolated incident.

Update 7.40pm (Wednesday 7 August)

The fire is under control and three crews will remain at the scene into the evening to dampen down.

A rest centre has been set up by the town council at Champions Manor Hall in Hullbridge Road for anyone who needs support, including water, tea / coffee.

Crews are tackling a fire affecting terraced houses in South Woodham Ferrers.

We were called to Treebeard Copse today (7 August) at 5.15pm and crews from Chelmsford (Aerial Ladder Platform), Wickford, Rayleigh Weir, Basildon (two), Leigh, Corringham and Hawkwell (Incident Command Unit) are in attendance.

The fire started in a shed and spread to eight terraced houses.

Group Manager Scott Meekings said: "Crews have the fire under control and are working hard to extinguish it.

"Please keep your doors and windows closed if you live nearby, and stay away from the area if possible because a number of roads are closed. Thank you to residents for your patience and understanding."

Crews will remain at the scene into the evening.