Eastwood: Arson suspected in huge industrial unit fire

On Saturday morning at around 7:15am, firefighters rushed to a large blaze in Progress Road following several calls from concerned residents.

Six crews were initially sent to the fire before they requested the assistance of a further four crews as well as two aerial ladder platforms, a water bowser, and an incident command unit.

On arrival, crews found a large warehouse on fire.

Fire - Recorded as deliberate (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE >> Crews tackle huge 'industrial unit' blaze in Eastwood - as it happened

Residents in the area were urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke coming from the blaze.

Firefighters spent more than 36 hours at the scene controlling and putting out the blaze, which was finally completely extinguished by 7:30pm on Sunday evening.

An investigation by Essex Fire has since established that the cause of the fire was “deliberate”.

Fire - Recorded as deliberate (Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service)

Essex Police is now carrying out an investigation.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are liaising with colleagues in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and an investigation will be carried out into the circumstances around a fire at an industrial unit in Progress Road, Leigh, which was reported to us shortly after 7.15am on Saturday, May 27.

“The investigation is in its early stages.”

A large warehouse containing car parts and packaging has been destroyed by fire. 

Ian Adams, area manager and executive officer, said: “Thank you to the public for their patience this weekend while we have dealt with this incident.

Fire - Recorded as deliberate (Image: Essex Fire)

“We have had lots of calls throughout the weekend about this incident and it’s great to see people being vigilant in reporting fires when they see smoke. 

“We would also like to thank our partner agencies for their support throughout the weekend.

“Our crews have worked tirelessly to extinguish this fire this weekend and prevent it spreading to neighbouring units. We sent a large number of resources to the scene, and everyone worked brilliantly together to get the fire under control. 

“Since 7:15am yesterday, we have sent lots of fire stations across Essex to the scene for the initial response and lots of reliefs since then. This has been on top of a very busy weekend for our Service responding to a number of house fires and incidents all over the county.

“Our teams have also been helping with Ride London and Creamfields South festival and I’m proud of everyone working this weekend to help make Essex safe.”