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Essex building site fire smoke seen from Canary Wharf Essex building site fire smoke seen from Canary Wharf
(about 3 hours later)
A fire has broken out on a building site in Essex, sending up a thick plume of smoke that can be seen for miles. A fire on a construction site in Essex sent up a thick plume of smoke that could be seen for miles.
The blaze, which was reported at approximately 11:20 BST, engulfed the roof of a three-storey building in Burton Road in Debden, near Loughton. The blaze, which was reported at approximately 11:20 BST, engulfed the roof of a three-storey council-owned building in Burton Road, Debden.
Witness Adrian Warnock saw workmen on scaffolding near the site when the fire broke out. Witness Adrian Warnock saw workmen on scaffolding close to where the fire broke out but police confirmed no injuries were reported.
Smoke from the fire can be seen from Canary Wharf in London, about 15 miles away. Fire fighters brought the blaze under control by approximately 13:10.
Six fire crews are currently at the scene and people have been advised to avoid the area. Smoke from the fire on Friday, at a £10m Epping Forest District Council development of 17 homes and 34 apartments, could be seen from Canary Wharf in London, about 15 miles away.
An Essex County Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said: "Several roads near to the building will remain closed for some time while fire-fighting takes place. Council leader Chris Whitbread confirmed the blaze took place on a Mulalley construction site and said it was a "serious setback for us and the people we are building these new homes for".
"If you live or work nearby, please keep doors and windows closed to avoid being affected by the smoke." He added: "Our first concern is for the safety and welfare of all concerned but it looks like everyone is safe.
"It is too early to say what caused the fire but it is clearly large.
"In the longer term, we will recover. Bricks and mortar can always be replaced and we will rebuild these much needed homes for local people."
Six fire crews attended the scene and an Essex County Fire & Rescue Service spokesman advised residents to "keep doors and windows closed to avoid being affected by the smoke".
Several roads in the area remain closed.