TWO fire engines from Stansted and Wethersfield were part of a ten-vehicle team that worked for hours to tackle a huge blaze at a Sausage Factory in Harlow today.
Firefighters were called to a fire in an industrial building on River Way, Harlow, this morning at 5.22am.
By 7.17am, there were 10 fire engines on the scene, and 60 firefighters.
The engines included two from Harlow, two from Hertfordshire, along with one from Old Harlow, Stansted, Waltham Abbey, Wethersfield, Leaden Roding, and Chelmsford.
On arrival, crews confirmed that a factory measuring 50m x 50m was 95 per cent alight and 100 per cent smoke-logged.
Access to the building was extremely limited and crews from Essex and Hertfordshire worked hard to tackle the fire as quickly as possible.
There was a large plume of smoke over Harlow Town, and residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed, and to avoid the area.
READ MORE >> Rural wedding venue to stay open as it appeals council enforcement notice
READ MORE >> IN PHOTOS: Former Jamie Oliver restaurant-turned-home on market for just over £1m
Dorottya Spanyik said her husband had been working on a nightshift at Riverway Food in the industrial unit when fire alarms sounded.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Ms Spanyik said: “The fire was massive… you could see and feel the smoke all around Harlow.
“My husband works there; he was there when the fire started before 6am.
“I’m not sure who alerted the fire brigade, because the whole night shift was still there when the fire alarms went off.”
Ms Spanyik said her husband has not been told when he will be able to return to work and is safe but “stressed”.
“They have no idea (when he will return), the fire was really big and even when he left the firefighters were still working to stop the fire,” she added.
“He is home now and luckily no personal injury, but he is very stressed.”
The fire was under control by 11am, and Essex Police worked to assist with road closures nearby.
People nearby are still being asked to keep their windows shut and avoid the area.
Group Manager Scott Meekings said: “Our crews have done an amazing job to contain the fire to the affected site which is a food manufacturing building and stop it from spreading to neighbouring properties.
"We have sectioned the fire into four areas and have control of it.
“We'd like to thank those who live and work nearby for their patience and support - we expect that the road and access will be closed for most of the day, so please do avoid the area and if you're nearby, keep your windows closed if they are nearby."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here