A fire chief has warned crews will be tackling a blaze at a Basildon recycling facility for another week as work continues to extinguish the site.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service (EFRS) area manager, Craig McLellan, confirmed firefighters have been in attendance at Hovefields Avenue since 1:15am on Saturday.

(Image: Essex Fire and Rescue)

He said there is still a “significant” amount of unprocessed waste still on fire and said those at the site are still working hard to put out the flames.

(Image: Essex Fire and Rescue)

Mr McLellan said “unsafe structures” will have to be pulled apart so crews can access the burning waste and extinguish it “piece by piece” – adding it will likely take the service and its contractors at least a week to put out the blaze.

He said: “There’s been significant damage, and at the peak of the fire, we had 12 appliances on scene plus specialist officers and specialist equipment.

“We’re working hard on the site with our contractors to start to remove some of the structures around the fire. We’ve got a significant pile of unprocessed waste which is still on fire.

“The impact on the local community is not lost on us. We ask you to be patient with us while we work on this protracted incident.

(Image: Essex Fire and Rescue)

“Realistically, it’s going to be at least another week on this site working with our contractors to bring it to a safe resolution.

“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding, and local businesses for their support with us with what is a challenging incident.”

(Image: Essex Fire and Rescue)

This comes after a fire ripped through the Burnt Mills industrial estate in Basildon, with plumes of black smoke visible from Southend.

(Image: Essex Fire and Rescue)

Mr McLellan said the fire service will continue to update residents regarding the work, which will remain ongoing through daylight hours, and could see a controlled burn during the evening.

EFRS have warned a large amount of smoke will be produced as firefighting operations continue.

Mr McLellan has advised residents to keep their windows shut due to the odour being brought over by changing winds, and urged people to avoid the area if possible.