Witham Fire Live Updates: Warning to Keep Windows and Doors Closed as Crews Tackle Large Blaze

Witham Fire Live Updates: Warning to Keep Windows and Doors Closed as Crews Tackle Large Blaze

Residents in Witham are being urged to keep windows and doors closed as firefighters battle a significant blaze that has destroyed several buildings and now threatens nearby farmland and an electrical substation.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 11:30am on Thursday morning (April 18), following reports of smoke and flames in the countryside near the outskirts of the Essex town. On arrival, fire crews were met with a fast-moving fire that had already engulfed three outbuildings and a derelict bungalow.

Firefighters from multiple stations across Essex have been deployed to tackle the incident, with at least eight fire engines, two water bowsers, and an aerial ladder platform involved in the operation.

In a statement released by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the public was advised:

“Crews are currently dealing with a large fire in the Witham area. Due to the volume of smoke in the air, we are asking residents nearby to keep all windows and doors closed. Our crews are working hard to prevent the fire from spreading further.”

The fire is understood to have spread quickly due to dry weather conditions and strong winds, raising concerns that the flames could reach a nearby corn field and a high-voltage electrical substation. Firefighters have constructed defensive firebreaks and are using specialist equipment to try to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.

Drone footage captured above the site shows thick plumes of grey and black smoke billowing into the sky, visible from several miles away. Local residents have taken to social media to share images and videos of the fire, expressing concern over how rapidly the situation has escalated.

Eyewitness Ellie James, who lives less than a mile from the scene, described hearing “a loud crackling” before seeing smoke on the horizon.

“It started with just a bit of smoke, and within 20 minutes the whole area was just covered. You could see the fire tearing through the buildings,” she said. “It’s really worrying, especially with the corn fields so close.”

As of 3:00pm, there have been no reported injuries, and the fire service has confirmed that the buildings involved were unoccupied at the time of the blaze. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown and a full investigation will be launched once the incident is brought under control.

The area surrounding the fire has been cordoned off to allow emergency services to work safely, and the public is urged to stay away from the scene. Some local roads have also been closed, causing traffic disruption.

A spokesperson from UK Power Networks confirmed they are monitoring the situation closely:

“We are aware of a fire near one of our substations in the Witham area. At present, power supplies remain unaffected. We are working with the fire service to ensure the safety of our equipment and the public.”

Fire crews are expected to remain on site into the evening, with further updates to follow as the situation develops.

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