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Industrial units, vehicles and mobile homes were damaged after a fire broke out late on Thursday night in the industrial area of ​​High Ongar in Essex, United Kingdom. Authorities launched a large-scale firefighting operation, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

According to the fire service, the blaze started at around 11:00 pm (BST) on Thursday in the industrial area on Woolmongers Lane. Around 60 firefighters and 12 fire crews were deployed to contain the fire after it spread rapidly. Firefighters also faced the challenge of limited water supply during the operation.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) said the fire continued to spread during the initial hours of the incident. Twelve fire crews were deployed and worked strategically to surround the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. Officials said coordinated efforts enabled firefighters to stop the fire from reaching nearby buildings despite the limited availability of water.

The fire had not been completely extinguished by Friday morning. As of around 8:30 am, five fire crews remained at the scene to monitor hotspots and continue extinguishing the remaining fire. Firefighters continued applying water to smoldering debris to eliminate the risk of reignition.

Station Manager Kev Jenner said the firefighting and recovery operation was expected to continue throughout the day. He urged local residents to stay away from the affected area until the situation returned to normal and to follow official instructions. The fire service said the area was being continuously monitored with safety as the priority.

Authorities have not released an official estimate of the damage. Preliminary information indicates that multiple industrial units, vehicles and mobile homes were damaged in the fire. Investigating agencies are assessing the extent of the damage while examining the cause of the fire, including whether a technical fault or another factor was involved.

A separate fire was also reported late on Thursday night in Great Holland, Essex. According to the fire service, approximately 100 tonnes of household waste stored at a unit on Clacton Road caught fire. The incident was reported at 11:51 pm, after which six fire crews were dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters contained the Great Holland fire by surrounding the blaze before it spread to nearby agricultural land and crops. The fire service said the operation prevented the fire from extending beyond the affected site.

Firefighters remained at the Great Holland site on Friday morning. A digger was used to remove burnt waste so that water could reach smoldering material beneath the debris and fully extinguish the fire.

Authorities have begun investigating the causes of both fires. No criminal conspiracy or deliberate act of arson has been confirmed at this stage. Investigators are examining technical evidence, witness statements and material collected from the affected sites to determine the cause.

According to officials, the situation is now under control, but monitoring of the affected areas will continue until all hotspots have been fully extinguished. Local authorities have urged residents to rely only on official information and avoid rumours.