East Hanningfield Highlands Farm fire crews leave the scene

The fire service has concluded its on-site response at Highlands Farm on Southend Road after tackling the fire since July 24.

The fire, labelled one of the most complex incidents the fire service has responded to in recent years, involved multiple industrial units and nearby farmland between East Hanningfield and Rettendon.

Emergency services at the scene of an industrial unit fire, in between East Hanningfield and Rettendon (Image: Chris Radburn/PA Wire)

A major incident was declared at an hour into their response following an explosion involving fertiliser within one of the industrial units.

In a statement issued as they left the scene yesterday, Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "We would once again like to thank the local community and businesses for their patience and cooperation throughout our response.

"We also want to recognise the work of our firefighters, Fire Control colleagues, officers, support teams, and emergency service and local authority partners who have supported the response over the past two weeks."

At its height, more than 100 firefighters were deployed to the scene.

The fire and explosion destroyed three fire engines and two officer cars.

Twenty firefighters were taken to hospital, four with minor injuries and the others for precautionary checks, including for hearing loss due to the blast.

Drone footage of the blaze two weeks ago (Image: Colin Neale Jr)

The fire was brought under control by the following evening, though crews remained on site for several days to dampen down hotspots.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service is handing the site back to the landowner, but investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

A formal investigation has also been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to determine whether any breaches of workplace health and safety regulations occurred.

The HSE has begun making enquiries with residents, examining the scene, and working closely with Essex Fire and Rescue Service.

Authorities have pledged to provide further updates as their investigation progresses.