Major blaze at recycling centre

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Local residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed

Eighteen fire engines were called to deal with a fire at a recycling centre in Essex.

Wood chippings covering more than two acres of land had caught fire on the Birchwood Industrial Estate, Hoe Lane, in Nazeing, early on Monday.

Essex fire service divisional officer Andy Stapleton said: "By 0645 GMT, four hours after crews arrived, it was under control and a fire break created."

The cause of the fire is not known but an investigation will start later.

A high volume pump was also at the incident to supply as much water as possible from various sources.

Mr Stapleton said: "At the height of the blaze at least 18 fire engines were tackling the flames.

"The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and when the fire has been extinguished an investigation will be carried out."