Firefighters are tackling a major blaze at a building in West Avenue this evening (Sunday, 17 August 2025).
Emergency services have urged nearby residents to keep all windows and doors shut due to large amounts of smoke drifting across the area.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called at 12.35am to reports of a building fully alight. Six stations, including Clacton, Dovercourt, Manningtree, Weeley, Colchester, Tiptree and Chelmsford, have been deployed to the scene.
Residents living nearby have been evacuated, while others are being advised to keep windows and doors shut due to the large amount of smoke.
Incident Commander Nick Singleton said:
“Crews have worked hard to surround the fire. We will be remaining here for a significant time during the day to make sure the fire is fully extinguished. Jackson Road, Penfold Road and Agate Road will be shut and experience disruption while our crews remain at the incident.
Thank you to our emergency services colleagues who have helped us safely evacuate nearby residents.”
Police and ambulance teams are also assisting at the scene.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and an investigation will be launched once the site has been made safe.
Motorists are urged to avoid West Avenue and surrounding roads until further notice.
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