Firefighters have battled a major blaze this afternoon at a historic Grade II listed building in the heart of Brightlingsea, leaving the property and a neighbouring home with significant fire damage.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire, which initially appeared small, escalated rapidly due to a failed external gas pipe and the building’s timber-framed structure, making it highly flammable.
Emergency crews were called to the scene shortly after midday and worked tirelessly to control the flames, focusing efforts on preserving historical artefacts and stopping the fire from spreading further through the town centre.
A spokesperson for Essex Fire and Rescue said:
“We know this has been a really difficult incident for the local community – as a Grade II listed building, it holds a lot of history and a special place in the town. Our crews worked incredibly hard to save artefacts and other important items. Sadly, the building and the neighbouring property have suffered significant damage.”
The cause of the fire has been recorded as accidental. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Residents have taken to social media to express heartbreak over the damage, with one local posting: “A piece of our town’s history gone – so sad to see. Thank you to the fire crews who did all they could.”
Investigators are expected to remain at the scene over the coming days to assess the structural integrity of the buildings and ensure safety.
Local authorities are working with the building’s owners and the community to explore preservation and recovery options moving forward.
