Flats evacuated after fire breaks out in bin store

Andrew Hensman Fire crews and a fire engine can be seen in a street. Flames and smoke can be seen near flats and a police car is in the foreground. Andrew Hensman
A fire in a bin store next to flats saw one block evacuated, a witness says

A block of flats had to be evacuated as a precaution after a fire broke out in a bin store nearby.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze broke out in a store adjacent to the three-storey flats in Station Approach, Braintree, at about 16:00 GMT.

A witness, former councillor Andrew Hensman, who lives nearby, said the intensity of the flames had melted the block's plastic gutters and downpipes.

Crews from Coggleshall and Braintree attended and were now damping down. No injuries have been reported.

Andrew Hensman Smoke billowing near blocks of three storey flats. A fire engine cars and fire crews can be seen. Andrew Hensman
Residents in one block were evacuated according to a witness

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related internet links