A large fire and a powerful explosion at an industrial unit in Essex on Friday afternoon, triggered by stored chemical fertilizer, prompted a major emergency response. Emergency services were called to farmland on Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, where the blaze engulfed several industrial units and a farm. Over 100 firefighters were deployed, and local authorities declared a significant incident. No injuries or fatalities have been reported, but nearby residents were evacuated and advised to keep windows and doors closed as a thick plume of black smoke spread across the area.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was brought under control by late Friday, though crews remained on site. Dave Bond, area manager for the service, stated that the explosion occurred when the fire reached a fertilizer storage unit while firefighters were already conducting suppression operations, and that there was no wider risk to the public. The East of England Ambulance Service dispatched a hazardous area response team to the location.

The blast destroyed several buildings and vehicles, and residents reported that the explosion shook houses up to a mile away, generating a mushroom cloud visible for miles. The fire produced dense black smoke, prompting authorities to order residents to stay indoors and avoid the area.

The cause of the initial fire remains unknown. The fire service indicated that crews would likely remain overnight to fully extinguish the flames, and further updates are expected from local authorities.