Rochford Stambridge Road greenhouse gutted in fire

Firefighters rushed to Stambridge Road at 3pm yesterday as swathes of grassland, trees and hedges were engulfed in flames.

Dozens of fire crews worked together to surround the fire and shuttle water to the scene, while police blocked off the road.

Shocked residents described hearing a “loud bang” after devastated John O’Dowd’s greenhouse exploded as the flames spread under the eaves and into his shed.

Destroyed - John's greenhouse (Image: George Pizani)

“I went as close as I could but the glass was just blowing out,” the 77-year-old retired teacher said.

“I had just been to Tesco and I came in, thought I’d have a quick coffee and read a magazine. Then I smelled the smoke and thought, ‘ah I bet it’s that car place has gone up in flames again’.

“I could hear it getting nearer and nearer and with the smoke you could hardly see in front in you.

“All I could do was sit down and watch my greenhouse disappear.”

Exploded - the fire spread to his shed and greenhouse (Image: George Pizani)

The £10,000 greenhouse has been left gutted by the blaze, which John says also burnt through the power line to his home.

The fire was extinguished before 5pm and an investigation is underway into the cause of the incident.

An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Firefighters were called to a field fire near Stambridge Road, Rochford yesterday afternoon.

“On arrival, four crews reported a field fire was affecting approximately eight hectares of grassland and a number of trees.

“Crews worked together to surround the fire and used a water bowser from Corringham to shuttle water to the scene.

“Firefighters extinguished the fire by 4.55pm.

“An investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire.”