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Firefighters are battling a major warehouse blaze on High Road in Epping, with smoke from the incident visible from the M11 motorway and prompting health and safety warnings for local residents. Fire Details
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire broke out in a large warehouse measuring 100 metres by 30 metres, made up of four industrial units, with two of those units fully alight.
Emergency services were called to the scene earlier this afternoon, and multiple fire crews remain in attendance as the operation continues.
Resources Deployed
Crews from the following fire stations have been deployed:
- Harlow (2 units)
- Waltham Abbey
- Loughton
- Old Harlow
- Leaden Roding
- Brentwood
Specialist resources including an aerial ladder platform, a water bowser, and a drone unit are also supporting the incident response.
Official Statement
Incident Commander Howard Midwood praised the swift response by firefighters:
“When crews arrived they were faced with a well-developed fire in a large warehouse. They have worked hard to stop the fire from spreading. We will remain at the incident for at least another 15 hours to ensure the site is safe and fully cooled before handing it back to the owners.”
He added:
“I’d like to thank local residents for their patience, as well as the site owners, our Control Operators, and our partners from the Police, Ambulance Service and UK Power Network.”
A full fire investigation will be conducted once it is safe to enter the structure.
Public Safety Advice
- Residents: Please keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke.
- Motorists on the M11: Slow down and drive with caution if smoke is visible across the carriageway.
Essex Police and paramedics are also on scene assisting with traffic control and public safety.
