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A massive fire broke out today in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, seriously affecting up to ten properties and prompting authorities to urge people to avoid the area. The blaze started around 11am, and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service dispatched six crews at its peak to combat the flames.
A resident recounted her terrifying experience she said: “I woke up and my house was on fire. I saw smoke in the front room, and my partner smelt something. We saw the house opposite on fire—it’s empty as she recently passed away. There was rubbish in the front garden that caught fire. The neighbour had a bin fire, and through the wind, some of the ashes have come off and caught the rubbish on fire, and it spread.”
Another local resident described the initial sight of the blaze: “I was one of the people who called the fire service. It looked like a bonfire at first, not too big, but there was the wind. I called at around 10:59am, and ten minutes later the first fire engine came.”
Residents nearby have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent inhaling smoke from the fire. Concerns have been raised about potential animals trapped inside the affected properties.
Images circulating on social media depict bungalows along Beach Way engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The scene, just a stone’s throw from the coastline, has prompted Tendring District Council to establish a rest centre at The Sun Spot in Clacton.
Despite the ferocity of the blaze, fire crews have now brought it under control. Station Manager Nick Singleton provided an update: “Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident; a lot of smoke is being blown around in the wind. We have the fire under control but anticipate being here for several hours while we work to fully extinguish the fires. Initial crews worked very hard in windy conditions to prevent the fire from spreading.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, and the public is urged to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to complete their work safely.
