Fire affecting containers and vehicles

UPDATE 11.05PM

Crews have extinguished a fire affecting a number of vehicles and containers in Billericay.

Station Manager Steve Obsorn said: "When crews arrived they were faced with a couple of cars and car transporter on fire, and it had also spread to a caravan and containers.

"The water supply was difficult, due to the remote location, so firefighters had to work really hard to get on top of the fire.

"Thanks to their professionalism and quick response the fire is now under control."

The fire was extinguished by 10.43pm but three crews will remain at the scene through most of the night to damp down and check for hotspots.

The cause has been recorded as unknown (deliberate or accidental).

UPDATE 9.40PM

Crews are tackling a fire affecting a number of containers in Billericay.

Firefighters from Basildon, Billericay and Wickford are working hard to get the fire under control. The units mostly contain vehicle parts and gas cylinders.

A water bowser - a vehicle used to supply water at incidents - from Corringham Fire Station is also in attendance.

The fire is creating a lot of thick smoke so residents in the area are advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

The incident is close to the A127 so drivers are advised to take extra care and are urged not to slow down to look at the fire.

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Firefighters who attended this incident from Billericay, Wickford and Corringham are on-call firefighters who all live or work within 5 minutes of their fire station and are paid to protect their community.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter. Find out more at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call