Firefighters tackling large industrial unit blaze
Emergency services are responding to a significant industrial fire in Essex, UK, following reports of loud explosions. Residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed as firefighters manage the incident.
Why it matters
Large-scale industrial fires pose immediate public health risks and potential environmental hazards to surrounding communities.
Image source, Carole Vernon Image caption, Plumes of smoke can be seen across many parts of south Essex
Firefighters are dealing with what has been described as a "significant incident" at an industrial building in Essex.
Crews were called to farmland in Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, on Friday afternoon.
People have described hearing what sounded like an explosion to the BBC. One said it was "like a bomb" had gone off.
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