FIVE firefighters were taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation as they tackled  huge blaze at a recycling centre in Basildon which is still ongoing. 

Firefighters were called to tackle a huge fire at a recycling centre at the Burnt Mills Industrial Estate in Basildon at 1.15am this morning.

Five of these firefighters were taken to hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation.

Thankfully the five firefighters were discharged after being given the all-clear a few hours later.

Due to the length of this incident the fire service is now mobilising ‘relief’ fire crews to tackle the ongoing fire.

Fire crews from Basildon, Billericay, Canvey Island, Corringham, Grays, Rayleigh Weir, Leigh, Orsett, Southend and Wickford are being used. 

The fire is expected to burn for a "couple more days".

Response - Maldon Fire Station was called at 4.40am this morning to assistResponse - Maldon Fire Station was called at 4.40am this morning to assist (Image: Maldon Fire Station)

The number of crews were scaled back to four, from five, in the early afternoon.

While residents are being told to keep their "doors and windows closed if you live in Basildon, and take extra care on the A127."