Eight fire engines and 40 firefighters tackled a blaze involving a stack of cars at a scrap yard last night.
When firefighters arrived at the yard in Dennises Lane, South Ockendon, they reported a number of cars completely alight.
Due to poor water supply in the area, the first fire crews at the scene called for extra fire engines to help with the incident.
A spokeswoman said: “Due to a lack of water at the address, firefighters [had to] set up a water shuttle using a water bowser, [a] large fire engine lorry which is full of water, to get enough water to the incident.”
Commenting on Facebook, Carol Fleming said she “could see and smell the smoke in Hornchurch”.
Also on Facebook, Carrie Nourse said: “I live in Gidea Park and I could see the heavy smoke from where I am.”
By 8.45pm firefighters had the blaze – in a farm which contained scrap cars, wood, tyres, rubbish and livestock – under control.
A number of bulls that were in a barn near to the fire were kept safe by the officers who tackled the fire away from the barn.
Later during the evening the incident was scaled down and four engines remained at the scene dampening down remaining hotspots.
By 1am the fire had been extinguished.
“The cause of the fire is not known at this stage,” continued the spokeswoman.
“An investigation will be carried out.”
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