ESSEX Fire and Rescue Service's chief officer has paid tribute to firefighters who tackled yesterday's huge blaze near East Hanningfield.

Twenty firefighters required hospital treatment or checks and five fire service vehicles were destroyed in the blaze that produced a plume of smoke as far away as Thurrock in the west and Maldon in the east.

Chief officer Rick Hylton hosted a press conference today (Saturday, 25 July) and said: "I want to provide an update on the fire at Highlands Farm, near East Hanningfield, and to recognise the incredible efforts of our firefighters and partner agencies who have responded to this significant incident.

"This is one of the most challenging and complex incidents Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has responded to in recent years. At its height, more than 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire.

"At 4.50pm yesterday afternoon, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service received the first emergency calls to a fire involving industrial units at Highlands Farm on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon.

"Firefighters arrived quickly and were faced with a large and rapidly developing fire involving several industrial units and surrounding farmland.

"At 5.46pm, following an explosion involving fertiliser within one of the industrial units, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident.

"We took that decision because of the scale and complexity of the incident, the significant resources required to bring the fire under control safely, and the need to coordinate a multi-agency response.

"Declaring a major incident ensured the appropriate command structures and resources were in place to protect the public, support our firefighters and coordinate the emergency response with our partners.

"Throughout yesterday afternoon, overnight and into today, firefighters have worked tirelessly in extremely challenging and hazardous conditions to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

"The incident is now under control, although firefighters remain at the scene dealing with remaining hotspots and supporting the transition into the recovery phase.

"Throughout this incident, our priority has been, and continues to be, protecting the public. We have worked closely with our partners to provide timely information and clear public safety advice, and I would like to thank local residents for their patience, understanding and cooperation.

"The fire and explosion also destroyed three fire engines and two officer cars that were being used to respond to the incident. This underlines the scale and intensity of the conditions our crews faced.

"I also want to provide an update on the welfare of our firefighters.

"I can confirm that 20 firefighters were taken to hospital following the incident. Of the 20, four suffered minor injuries and the remainder were precautionary assessments, including checks for issues such as hearing loss following the explosion.

"I am pleased to confirm that all those firefighters have now been discharged from hospital. And my thanks the teams at the hospitals who cared for and supported my colleagues.

"Alongside protecting the public, the safety and wellbeing of our firefighters will always be our highest priority. Yesterday's incident presented exceptionally challenging and hazardous conditions.

"Our firefighters demonstrated remarkable professionalism, courage and commitment throughout the response.

"They continue to receive the welfare and wellbeing support they need following what has been a demanding operational incident. I want to personally thank every firefighter, fire control operator and member of staff who has played a part in this response.

"I would also like to thank our emergency service colleagues, local authorities and resilience partners who have worked alongside us throughout this incident. This has been a coordinated multi-agency response.

"I also want to thank the local community. Residents have followed our advice, shared official information responsibly and supported our crews as they carried out their work. That cooperation has made a real difference.

"I also want to acknowledge the local businesses that have been affected by this incident.

"I recognise the disruption and uncertainty this has caused, and I want to assure them that we are working closely with our partners to support the recovery process as safely and as quickly as possible.

"Finally, I'd like to thank the media for helping us communicate important public safety information quickly and accurately throughout the incident.

"Our work now moves into the next phase. Firefighters will remain at the scene in order to bring the incident to a safe resolution. A formal investigation into the cause of the incident has already begun. It is important that we do not speculate on the cause until that investigation has been completed."