Westcliff fire sees crews remain at scene overnight

Firefighters were called to Hamlet Court Road, between London Road, and Anerley Road, at 8:20pm yesterday evening.

Blaze - Firefighters remain at the scene in Westcliff (Image: Essex Fire)

On arrival, the roof and top floor was completely alight.

READ MORE >> Pictures show smoke and flames as EIGHT crews battle Westcliff fire

Eight crews, two Aerial Ladder Platforms and an Incident Command Unit, were in attendance at the height of the incident.

Fire - Aerial Ladder Platforms were used (Image: Sana Butt)

A man was treated for the effects of breathing in smoke and left in the care of the East of England Ambulance Service.

Road closures remained in place overnight and residents were advised to avoid the area - as well as keeping their doors and windows closed due to smoke.

Emergency - Fire at a three-storey building in Westcliff (Image: Essex Fire)

Ben Turner, group manager, said: “As it was unsafe for firefighters to enter the building, we have used two of our Aerial Ladder Platforms, from Chelmsford and Grays.

“Crews have worked really hard to get the fire under control and stop it from spreading.

“The first floor, which were unoccupied flats, have suffered significant damage because the roof and second (top) floor partially collapsed.

Blaze - Thick black smoke seen across Westcliff (Image: Sana Butt)

“Although the ground floor did not suffer any fire damage, we are not sure of the extent of the smoke and water damage at this stage.

“We have worked closely with the Ambulance Service, Essex Police, local authority and utilities companies to resolve the incident.”