Overview

• The fire was reported shortly after midday on May 27 in the roof of a four-storey block of flats near the Essex County Bowling Club
• Crews from at least six Essex fire stations have been mobilised alongside multiple police vehicles to secure the scene
• Residents captured footage of thick black smoke spreading over Imperial Avenue, which is lined with retirement communities and affluent homes
• Firefighters remain on site working to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighboring buildings
• Local authorities have advised residents and commuters to avoid Imperial Avenue while emergency services continue containment efforts