FIREFIGHTERS are currently tackling a fire affecting a large pile of rubbish in Burnt Mills Industrial Estate, Basildon. 

The blaze began at 12.26pm, on a large pile of household waste which is approximately 10m by 5m high.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has urged residents in the nearby area to keep all their windows and doors shut.

Incident Commander Steve Kirkham said: "Crews have done a great job at surrounding the fire, which is now under control. 

“Firefighters are working with the site staff to pick apart the rubbish using machinery on site. 

"We are likely to remain here until the early evening to extinguish the fire."

Patricia Reid, a Labour councillor for Pitsea North West, said: “Thank you to the firefighters for being there as quickly as they could and for getting it under control before it spread to surrounding buildings.

“I am glad nobody has been injured, and hopefully they will find out how it started and deal with it appropriately.”