A HUGE fire has completely destroyed an agricultural building between Wickford and South Woodham Ferrers.

Pictures released from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) show an agricultural building in Woodham Road completely engulfed in flames, with firefighters using an aerial ladder platform to reach the fire.

It took the emergency services two-and-a-half hours to put out the fire, with ECFRS extinguishing the flames by 9.20pm on Tuesday evening.

Echo: Destroyed – the farm building was razed to the ground by the fireDestroyed – the farm building was razed to the ground by the fire (Image: ECFRS)

Crews from Great Baddow, Rayleigh Weir, Corringham, South Woodham Ferrers, and Wickford were all on the scene.

A statement from ECFRS said residents nearby should keep their windows shut as smoke is drifting to nearby properties.

 

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Group manager, Stephen Osborn said: “Crews have worked extremely hard to get the fire under control.

Echo: On the scene – fire crews are expected to be on the scene into the night to ensure the fire is fully extinguishedOn the scene – fire crews are expected to be on the scene into the night to ensure the fire is fully extinguished (Image: ECFRS)

“As the smoke is drifting to nearby properties, we ask anyone in the area to keep their windows and doors shut whilst we continue to extinguish the fire.” 

Officers will carry out an investigation into the cause as soon as possible, and even though the fire is completely under control, crews are expected to be on the scene for some time to make sure the fire is completely extinguished and the area is safe.