Fire in an industrial building

Crews are on scene at a fire in an industrial building in Croft Way, Witham. We were called at 11.01am. It’s in a two-storey building with the fire on the first floor.

The fire has affected 10 per cent of the 50 metre by 25 metre building and it’s 60 per cent smoke logged.

Everybody is out of the building and neighbouring businesses and buildings have also been evacuated as a precaution.

Station Manager Dan Wastell said: “There is a lot of smoke, so we’d ask people nearby to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area. We’ve divided the fire into three sectors.”

This incident is on-going and we’ll provide updates when we can.

UPDATE 5PM

A total of 12 crews were tackling the fire at its height, but this has been scaled down to eight. Two Aerial Ladder Platforms, from Chelmsford and Grays, are also in use.

It is anticipated that four crews will take over at the scene at 6pm.

Residents and businesses can expect disruption into the evening as our work at the scene continues. 

Station Manager Dan Wastell said: "The fire is surrounded and steady progress is being made to extinguish it.

"I'd like to praise crews who have worked extremely hard in arduous conditions to stop the fire from spreading and getting it under control.

"I'd also like to thank our partners, including the Salvation Army, Essex Police, Ambulance Service and Braintree District Council, for their support, and businesses and residents for their co-operation and patience."

UPDATE 8.45PM

The fire is out and the incident closed at 7.24pm. There will be an investigation into the cause of the fire.