Five workmen had to flee to safety following a fire at a landmark south Essex pub.
Four engines raced to the scene at the Orsett Cock Pub yesterday at just before 2pm. Around 20 firefighters, some wearing breathing apparatus, tackled the blaze.
Police had to close Stanford Road, better known as the old A13, while the fire was dealt with.
Jamie Lambert, 33, of Giffords Cross Road, Corringham, was doing repair work on the ground floor of the pub when the fire started.
He said: "The fire could have started 20 to 30 minutes before we even noticed. We were using the fire place just last week to help keep us warm.
"I saw smoke coming from outside it appears to have started in the chimney."
The fire was in the roof and was out by 3.15pm.
The blaze is believed to have started in a chimney breast where workmen were carrying out repairs.
The pub is currently being renovated and not open to customers.
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