Firefighters tackled a blaze at a barn in Pitsea.
The barn in Lower Avenue, which contained building materials and diving cylinders, went up in flames at 3am.
Three fire crews extinguished the blaze from outside the building, because there was a danger of the diving cylinders exploding.
An investigation is to be launched into the cause of the fire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here