🚨 BREAKING: Firefighters are tackling a major industrial unit blaze on Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, Essex.
An explosion at the site (reported by some as involving a fertiliser store at Highlands Farm) was heard and felt across wide parts of Essex, with residents saying houses shook up to 10–12 miles away. Large plumes of dark smoke are visible.
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service is at the scene and advises: “If you live or are travelling nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area if you can.”
The main road between Rettendon Turnpike and South Hanningfield Road is closed while emergency services deal with the incident. Cause and any injuries are not yet confirmed.
The Pyrocene is here. The wildfires near #Bordeaux are now generating huge pyrocumulus clouds, creating their own weather. These fire clouds can produce winds & lightning that ignite new fires. An era where fires don't just respond to the weather; they help create it.
JRC Wildfire monitor is here (NB. note the last 2 years stand-out, and that - for some reason - this has not been updated since 22nd)
https://t.co/N1gPcYMnZy
I think there is something in these wildfires in respect to the social contract.
How much are we prepared to pay for just-in-case capabilities, when 'training' will comprise most of their hours...but when they are needed, they are needed?
Is this equation changing fast enough?
Sébastien est paysagiste, il a emprunté à un ami une cuve de 8000 litres, l'a installée sur son camion afin de réapprovisionner en eau les pompiers avec sa citerne mobile.
Marie a fait 40 km avec son tracteur pour amener une cuve au plus près des incendies, elle est salariée d'un vignoble qui a voulu aider les pompiers.
Une bande de copains éteint au bord de la route les fumerolles, les souches pour éviter que cela repartent.
Des habitants déterminés à rester aux côtés des pompiers aussi longtemps qu'il le faudra.
Moi, je dis bravo👏👏👏
Source : journal de TF1 20 H 00 du 25 juillet 2026
A "major incident" has been declared after a fire and explosion ripped through an Essex industrial unit
Helicopter footage shows scale of the destruction (No Audio) #EssexExplosion
🇪🇸 ESPAGNE : Alors que l'état d'urgence national est décrété, deux des trois énormes incendies qui font rage à l'est de Madrid sont "sur le point de fusionner" pour ne former qu’un "seul brasier", annonce le préfet de la région, avertissant du situation "hors de contrôle".
Around 50 firefighters remain on scene working alongside specialist officers and advisors to put the remains of the fire out in sections
Area Manager Dave Bond said: “We expect to be here throughout the night and tomorrow. Keep your doors and windows closed as a precaution."
An explosion outside Chelmsford today between East Hanningfield and Rettendon at an industrial/farm site. They are still trying to tackle the fire. Hope everyone is okay.
BREAKING: Apocalyptic black sky over Moscow, Russia, after Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow Oil refinery this morning, covering the region in thick non-moving black smoke.
Another flyover video from a passenger plane above Moscow region, with a view of the Wildberries warehouse fire turning the sky over the Russian capital into Mordor.
2/2 We are aware that some are continuing to enter the affected near Capelulo area despite repeated safety warnings.
We urge people to stay away from Conwy Mountain and surrounding areas. Public access can hinder emergency operations and impact our ability to respond.