Benfleet: Investigation Into "Major Fire"

13 August 2014, 07:45 | Updated: 13 August 2014, 07:48

More than 40 firefighters have tackled what has been described as a "major fire" on a farm in north Benfleet.

11 crews were caled to Tiffaynes Farm on Burnt Mills Road just before 5.15pm yesterday where a derelict vehicle workshops had caught fire.

Nearby roads affected by smoke had to be closed by police.

Divisional Officer Neil Fenwick, incident commander, said: The fire involved a derelict vehicle workshop and developed rapidly because the building was made of wood.

"Firefighters worked swiftly to tackle the blaze from all angles and we had to get additional resources to the scene quickly as there was a shortage of water on site and we needed more manpower for breathing apparatus. There was the complication of cylinders but once we were able to satisfy ourselves they were not a danger, we were able to get on with the job of dealing with the fire itself.

"At the height of the incident eight appliances were on the scene and a hose layer.

"At this stage, it's too early to say how the fire started. We are conducting an investigation and that's already under way."