Overview
- Firefighters were first called to a workshop on Little Walden Road at 12:22pm on Friday and the blaze quickly grew, prompting a major multi-unit response.
- Essex crews deployed six engines and a water bowser and were supported by teams from Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, with some reports noting up to 10 engines and a turntable ladder attended.
- Thick smoke spread across the village and residents were urged to keep windows and doors closed while crews worked to protect a nearby property that was affected by the fire.
- The Essex fire service confirmed the blaze was accidental, no injuries were reported, and firefighters have scaled the incident down but remain on site to monitor and cool hotspots.
- Rural water shortages and the presence of acetylene cylinders made the incident harder to fight, highlighting how limited local hydrant supplies can force cross‑county support and cause short‑term disruption for nearby residents.