Emergency crews attended a significant industrial fire on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, on the evening of 24 July 2026. Local people reported hearing what they described as a "massive explosion" as the blaze developed, and the county fire service issued public-safety advice to nearby communities.
What happened
The incident unfolded after a fire broke out at a large industrial unit on Southend Road. The exact cause of the blaze has not been reported and investigations are ongoing. Residents in the surrounding area were advised to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid the area while emergency operations continued.
"We're currently at the scene of large industrial unit fire in Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon. If you live or are travelling nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area if you can."
The message was posted by Essex Fire and Rescue Service on social media as crews responded. Several nearby residents described hearing a large explosion; social posts said the sound was heard across a wide area.
Local impact and public advice
Although the full extent of disruption is still being assessed, the incident has immediate implications for residents and motorists in the vicinity:
- Keep windows and doors closed to limit smoke ingress.
- Avoid travelling through Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon if possible.
- Follow instructions from emergency services and local authorities.
People with respiratory conditions are advised to take particular care; anyone experiencing symptoms such as persistent coughing or breathing difficulties should seek medical advice.
Who is responding
The fire service led the response at the scene. No official figure for the number of appliances or personnel engaged has been published in the statements available so far. Motorists should expect disruption on surrounding routes while operations continue and should check local travel updates before setting out.
| Detail | Known information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon |
| Date | 24 July 2026 |
| Action taken | Fire crews at scene; public advised to keep windows and doors closed |
Further coverage and next steps
Officials have not released details about casualties or the cause of the fire at the time of reporting. InfoRadar will monitor updates from Essex Fire and Rescue Service, local police and council channels and will report confirmed developments, including any road closures, evacuation notices or public-health advisories. Residents seeking the latest information should rely on official channels rather than social media conjecture.
Anyone with relevant information about the incident is urged to contact the emergency services through their normal channels so that investigators can build a clear picture of what happened.
Isla Baker, InfoRadar, Southend-on-Sea correspondent.
