FIREFIGHTERS are using drones and aerial ladder platforms as they continue to tackle a large blaze in south Essex.
About 60 firefighters from eight crews from across the county are on the scene of a fire in Stambridge, near Rochford.
Firefighters were called to reports of a large plume of smoke in the village this afternoon at about midday.
Upon arrival, crews reported a large building was alight.
The fire involves a number of industrial units which measure a total area of 100m x 50m.
Fire crews from Southend, Leigh, Chelmsford, Rayleigh Weir, Grays, Basildon, Corringham and Rochford are on the scene.
The fire service has said about 60 firefighters are at the scene fighting the fire as well as protecting the unaffected units.
Firefighters are also using aerial ladder platforms to pour water on the fire from above and using drones to get a live overview of the fire from the sky.
By 3.30pm, the fire service said "good progress had been made", with firefighters having the fire "well under control".
"The incident is being scaled down to leave around 20 firefighters at the scene to finish extinguishing hot spots", a spokesman said.
Smoke can reportedly be seen for miles, as residents have shared pictures of the clouds coming from the scene.
The area has also been blocked off by emergency services.
Crews are also urging nearby residents to close their windows and doors as the fire is currently producing a lot of smoke.
"The cause of the fire will be investigated once it is safe to do so", the spokesman added.
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