A major fire broke out on Sutton Road in Rochford on Bank Holiday Monday, sending thick black smoke into the sky and forcing the evacuation of a garden centre.
The blaze began at an electrical substation next to Scotts Garden Centre, just a minute’s drive from Southend Fire Station. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews from Southend, Leigh, Rochford and Orsett were all dispatched to the scene.
Residents nearby reported hearing loud bangs before spotting flames and smoke rising from the site.
At the height of the incident, members of the public initially closed Sutton Road at Temple Farm Industrial Estate to stop vehicles entering. Essex Police later confirmed a full closure of the road between Shopland Road and the roundabout near the industrial estate.
Station Manager Russ Freeman said:
“The fire has been contained and the garden centre and residents living nearby have been evacuated whilst we deal with the incident. The road is closed between Shopland Road and the roundabout near the industrial estate. Please avoid the area to help us deal with the incident and if you live nearby keep your windows and doors closed to avoid the smoke. We appreciate your patience and thanks to the garden centre team who are helping us to look after the people who have been evacuated.”
The fire also caused a temporary power outage. A spokesperson for UK Power Networks said:
“Engineers were called to a substation on Sutton Road, Rochford following reports of a fire today (Monday 25th August). We have had to temporarily turn off supplies to around 8 customers so that crews can work safely on our network. We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing but can reassure these customers that we will turn their power back on as soon as possible.”
The blaze was brought under control, with firefighters extinguishing the flames by 2.10pm. Despite two substation buildings being destroyed, crews stopped the fire spreading to neighbouring homes or the garden centre.
There was some heat damage to a nearby property’s wall and guttering, but residents were allowed to return home later in the afternoon.
Station Manager Freeman added:
“Crews worked really quickly to contain the fire. Unfortunately it has knocked out the power to some nearby homes and the garden centre but UK Power Networks are on scene. The road will be reopening shortly and residents can return to their homes and customers to the garden centre. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience on this Bank Holiday Monday.”
The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental.
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