RESIDENTS were urged to keep their windows closed after 600 tonnes of clothing went up in flames.

Firefighters are at the scene of a fire in Braintree.

Reports say there is a large fire currently at Convent Lane in the town and next to the A131 at Marks Farm.

The fire is located at a recycling centre between the roads.

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According Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS), the fire has seen around 600 tonnes of discarded clothing catch fire.

Eight crews are at the scene, along with a water bowser, and ECFRS say the situation is under control.

Crews are from Braintree, Coggeshall, Halstead, Witham, Wethersfield and Dunmow.

It is the second large fire on Convent Lane this year.

It comes after an industrial unit went up in flame on the road in January.

Read More - Braintree fire: Firefighters at Convent Lane scene for 3rd day

At this time, ECFRS are wortking to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby woodland.

A spokesman for ECFRS added: "We’re currently at the scene of a large fire at a recycling centre in Bocking.

"Our control room received more than 60 calls to this incident.

"The fire is producing lots of smoke, if you live nearby, please keep your windows and doors shut.

"Six on-call crews were called to a recycling centre in Bocking between Convent Lane and the A131 at Marks Farm.

"On arrival, crews reported that approximately 600 tonnes of waste clothing is alight.

"Crews are working to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby woodland while carrying out a controlled burn.

"Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident."