Basildon fire: Firefighters expect to be at scene of huge Essex fire for at least two days

The fire in Hovefields Avenue, Basildon
-Credit: (Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service)


Firefighters are likely to remain at the scene of a huge recycling centre fire for at least two days. Work is ongoing to control the fire at the recycling centre on Hovefields Avenue in Basildon today (September 14).

The fire broke out at around 1.15am this morning and at least ten fire crews from around South Essex have been battling the blaze ever since. Now, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have said they are "scaling back" the operation but the fire is expected to remain alight for some time.

The incident has been scaled back to five crews, however, firefighters expect to remain on the scene throughout the weekend, potentially for up to 48 hours.

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Group Manager Steve Wintrip said: "Site staff are using a digger to move and break up the recycling so our crews can extinguish it. This will be a long process and we expect to be on site for at least another 48 hours. It will also continue to create a lot of smoke, so we would urge residents in Basildon and Wickford to keep doors and windows closed."

Group Manager Dave Bond added: "Residents and motorists in the area will see large plumes of smoke over the next few hours as crews continue to extinguish the fire. Please keep your doors and windows closed. Take extra care on the roads, but avoid the area if you can."

The plumes of smoke over Basildon
The plumes of smoke over Basildon -Credit:David Abbishaw

A spokesman for the fire service previously said: "We were called to Hovefields Avenue today (14 September) at 1.15am and two crews from Basildon attended. They found a unit approximately 50 metres by 40 metres, including warehouses and about 15 vehicles, fully alight and ten additional crews were requested.

"Crews from Billericay, Canvey, Corringham, Grays (two), Leigh, Orsett, Rayleigh Weir, Southend and Wickford, and two Aerial Ladder Platforms, are at the scene."