A significant explosion at a farm in Essex has caused buildings to shake up to a distance of 15 miles, displaying a massive ball of flames in the area.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has mobilized over 100 firefighters to deal with a “large industrial unit fire” near Chelmsford, specifically off Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon.

The fire, located at Highlands Farm, has been classified as a major incident due to its extensive scale. Emergency services are on-site responding to the situation, and a large perimeter around the fire has been cordoned off by the police.

Authorities have advised residents in the vicinity to keep windows and doors shut and to avoid the area while emergency services manage the incident.

Area Manager Dave Bond provided an update, stating that the situation is under control with no broader risk to the public. Efforts are being made to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

Residents in the region have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, and Southend Road has been closed to ensure the safety of responders. The operation is expected to continue throughout the night, generating significant smoke, prompting nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log indicated that the fire was reported at an industrial unit at 4:50 pm, with subsequent reports of an explosion heard across parts of Essex.

The incident has garnered attention from locals and beyond, with reports of visible smoke from various locations. The response from the emergency services has been commended for its promptness in addressing the situation.

Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are yet to release official statements regarding their response to the incident. Witnesses have described the impact of the explosion, with reports of shaking buildings and rattling windows several miles away.

The scene of the fire, located at Highlands Farm on Southend Road, has been captured in aerial images, showing multiple structures and vehicles affected by the blaze.

People in the area and even as far as the Thames Estuary have reported seeing the smoke emanating from the site, indicating the widespread impact of the incident.

The situation is ongoing, with a request for the public’s patience as emergency services work to extinguish the fire and bring the incident to a close. The public is advised to avoid the area and follow safety instructions provided by authorities.