More than 30 firefighters are battling a major warehouse fire in Harwich, Essex, which broke out early Sunday morning, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
Key facts
The fire began at 3:36 AM BST on August 16, 2026, on Stour Road.
Approximately 35 firefighters were dispatched to the scene to manage the blaze.
The structure of the warehouse has completely collapsed.
Residents in nearby areas have been advised to keep windows and doors shut due to heavy smoke.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the challenges faced by emergency services in managing large-scale fires and protecting community health.
Smoke from the fire is visible from several miles away, affecting air quality in surrounding areas.
Authorities are working to contain the blaze to prevent any potential hazards to residents.
The fire's impact on local infrastructure and businesses is uncertain.
Driving the news: The Essex County Fire & Rescue Service received multiple emergency calls reporting the fire shortly after it ignited.
Fire crews were dispatched to the A120/Stour Road area at approximately 3:36 AM BST.
Images from the scene show flames engulfing the warehouse and a substantial plume of dark smoke rising above the town.
Local residents reported seeing the smoke from as far away as Bradwell-on-Sea.
State of play: As of 10:30 AM, the fire is under control, and resources are being reduced.
Station Manager Howard Midwood confirmed that crews are working diligently to extinguish the fire.
There has been a complete collapse of the main structure of the building.
Efforts are focused on ensuring the area is safe and reopening road networks.
The big picture: The fire has raised concerns about air quality and safety in the surrounding communities.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service noted an influx of calls from residents in Ipswich and Felixstowe, who were concerned about the smoke.
Officials clarified that the smoke observed in those areas was coming from the Harwich warehouse fire.
As the situation develops, updates are expected on the cause of the fire and the extent of damage.
What they're saying: Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety during this incident.
"If you live nearby, please keep all your windows and doors shut," a spokesperson for Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said.
They thanked the public for their timely reports to the control room.
By the numbers: The firefighting operation involves around 35 firefighters working in sectors to extinguish the fully alight warehouse.
The incident number is 335791, and the fire is classified as a major incident due to its scale.
Firefighters are using a water bowser to shuttle water to the scene to combat the flames.
What's next: Firefighters will continue to monitor the situation and work to extinguish any remaining hotspots.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, but details are not yet available.
No immediate reports of injuries have been confirmed, but officials are assessing the situation closely.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news updates and follow any safety advisories from fire services.