Overview
- A fire began at Highlands Farm on Southend Road and a unit storing fertiliser exploded on Friday, destroying several industrial units and igniting nearby farmland.
- Essex County Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident and deployed about 100 firefighters at first, with the response later scaled down to crews that have been monitoring hotspots overnight.
- Twenty firefighters were taken to hospital for checks after the blast, four suffered minor injuries and most have been discharged, while three fire engines and two officer cars were destroyed during the operation.
- The Health and Safety Executive is working with Essex Fire and other technical experts on a multi-agency probe; the site remains cordoned, road closures are in place, and the UK Health Security Agency says overall public-health risk is low.
- Local businesses have reported damage — Spotlight Sound said equipment and vehicles were affected — and Chelmsford City Council has announced emergency grants, temporary workspace and a helpline to support firms and residents.