Clacton fire: Residents evacuated as firefighters tackle major blaze in Essex

Firefighters in Essex from seven different fire stations have scrambled to the scene of a building fire in the early hours of this morning.

At around 12.35am on Monday August 18 crews from Clacton, Dovercourt, Manningtree, Weeley, Colchester, Tiptree and Chelmsford rushed to the scenec on West Avenue, in Clacton. As of 4.45am crews remain at the scene and are working to extinguish a building which is fully alight.

Nearby residents have been evacuated and locals have been advised to keep all windows and doors shut due to a large amount lot of smoke coming from the incident.

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Incident Commander Nick Singleton said: "Crews have worked hard to surround the fire. We will be remaining here for a significant time during the day to make sure the fire is fully extinguished. Jackson Road, Penfold Road and Agate Road will be shut and experience disruption while our crews remain at the incident.

"Thank you to our emergency services colleagues who have helped us safety evacuate nearby residents."

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "We are supporting our colleagues at the fire service who are leading on this incident. Please keep windows and doors shut and follow directions if you are being evacuated."

Tendring District Council and Premier Inn Clacton have set up a refuge centre for evacuated residents.

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