Basildon fire: Residents hear huge explosions after massive inferno breaks out at Essex recycling centre

The blaze consumed warehouses and fifteen vehicles at the recycling plant (Essex County Fire and Rescue)
The blaze consumed warehouses and fifteen vehicles at the recycling plant (Essex County Fire and Rescue)

Residents have described their terror after a huge blaze broke out at an Essex recycling centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Smoke from the huge blaze in Basildon’s Hovefields Avenue could be seen from as far away as neighbouring Kent, with firefighters saying warehouses and fifteen vehicles were alight.

12 fire crews from Essex Fire and Rescue were sent to the blaze shortly after 1am, with residents reporting hearing loud bangs.

Smoke could be seen billowing across the A127, with nearby residents being urged to keep their windows and doors closed.

Firefighters are expected to remain on the scene for several days, although the number of crews has been scaled down from the fire’s peak.

Firefighter Steve Wintrip said: "Site staff are using a digger to move and break up the recycling so our crews can extinguish it.

“This will be a long process and we expect to be on site for at least another 48 hours.

“It will also continue to create a lot of smoke, so we would urge residents in Basildon and Wickford to keep doors and windows closed.”

Smoke could be seen as far as Southend Airport, around 11 miles away.

One witness posted on Facebook: "Can still see smoke and I'm near Southend Airport."

Another added: "Wondered why my car had ash on it this morning. We are in Rayleigh."

There are currently no reports of any injuries.