Update 25 March

Watch Manager Darren Hockley said: "A fire investigation has been carried out and we believe the cause was most likely a lithium ion battery which had been disposed of incorrectly. 

"I'd like to stress the importance of disposing of your lithium ion batteries properly, not in a skip or with domestic household waste.  Always check with your local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area."

Crews have been working to extinguish approximately 35 tonnes of waste.

Firefighters were called to a flat fire on the 2nd floor of a high rise building in Southend last night. 

Crews entered the flat and extinguished the fire.

Firefighters rescued one casualty who was suffering from smoke inhalation. 

Station Manager Jason Gould said: "We believe the fire started in the kitchen. It's really important to keep your hobs, ovens and grills clean as a build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire. 

Firefighters worked with crews from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service at a thatched roof fire in Birdbrook today. 

Eight crews from Halstead, Wethersfield, Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Suffolk FRS’ Clare and Haverhill were called to a thatched roof fire in Finkle Green, Birdbrook at 9:11am. 

On arrival, crews reported the thatched roof of a cottage was 100% alight.

Firefighters worked together to remove the thatch from the roof and extinguished the fire in sections. 

Firefighters were called to a roof fire in Galley Hill Road, Waltham Abbey at 10:34pm last night.

On arrival, crews reported that the roof of a bungalow was 100% alight.

Crews from Harlow and Loughton worked alongside crews from Herfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Cheshunt crews and London Fire Brigade’s Enfield crew to extinguish the fire in sections. 

Two people had escaped the property before crews arrived and firefighters worked together to rescue one woman. 

All three occupants were left in the care of the Ambulance Service. 

Update 12 March 2pm

An investigation has recorded the cause of the fire, which destroyed three caravans, as accidental. An electrical fault was the most likely cause.

Update 11 March 10.20pm

The fire is now out, and crews will remain on-site to dampen down and make sure the area is cool.

There are no reported injuries, and emergency services are working to reopen the nearby A13 slip road shortly.

Update 12 March 11am

Station Manager Howard Midwood said: "While crews were working through the materials there was an explosion. We understand many residents heard this noise but rest assured no-one was hurt and the fire has now been extinguished.

The site will continue to produce smoke as we turn materials over and cool them, so please keep your doors and windows closed if you live nearby and take extra care on the A127.

"We expect to have firefighters on the scene over the next couple of days as work continues."

Crews have issued safety advice after a kitchen fire in Great Hallingbury has left a family homeless. 

Firefighters were called to Mead Field Drive, Great Hallingbury at 7.49pm last night. 

The resident had accidentally left items on top of the hob and left to go to work. 

Crew Manager Steve Perry said: "When we arrived the fire was already out but house was full of smoke. We believe items were accidentally left on top of the hob which set alight, the fire spreading to the surrounding kitchen appliances.