Southend McDonalds evacuated as flames engulf perimeter fence

Firefighters were called to McDonald’s in Eastern Avenue, Southend, this morning after a large fire broke out along the restaurant’s perimeter fence, forcing staff to evacuate the building and shut the car park.

The fire took hold of a section of wooden fence at around 8.30am, when clouds of black smoke could be seen rising across Royal Artillery Way, near Garon Park.

Two fire engines rushed to the scene, with crews seen tackling the blaze from within the car park. Witnesses said staff acted quickly to ensure customers and vehicles were cleared from the area for safety.

Most of the fencing has now been destroyed, with charred remains still visible at the site.

An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We were called to an address in Eastern Avenue, Southend at 8.03am to reports of a fence on fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown.”

The McDonald’s car park remained closed through the morning as staff assessed the damage and ensured safety protocols were followed.

A nearby resident, who saw the fire take hold, said: “It went up so quickly. One minute it was calm, the next there were flames shooting up and smoke everywhere. You could see it from down the road.”

No injuries have been reported and the restaurant building itself was not damaged. However, the fence will need full replacement.