Firefighters called to van blaze near Dunmow

Firefighters were called out to a three van fire in Rossdene Gardens, Leaden Roding, just before 12pm this morning (August 21).

Due to current Fire Brigades Union (FBU) strike action, one working crew attended the scene and the vehicles were extinguished by 12.47pm, leaving two vans gutted and one damaged.

Industrial action by the FBU began today across Essex and will continue until August 26,

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are urging people to be vigilant to keep risk at a minimum during the strike by checking smoke alarms and keeping an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Assistant chief fire officer Paul Hill said: “Fire engines will still be attending emergencies and the public should continue to dial 999 as normal.

“But anything we can do to reduce the number of non-emergency calls during the strike periods over the weekend will clearly assist us in ensuring our service delivery is directed to those areas where it is most needed.”