Six fire crews have been tackling a blaze at a farm building at Howe Green, near Chelmsford.

The fire involved a turkey processing plant in Old Southend Road, with the fire service called out just before 9am today.

At 11.10am Assistant Divisional Officer Mark Turnball said the collapse of the building, measuring 30 x 15 metres, was “imminent” and crews had been withdrawn from firefighting operations.

“The aerial ladder platform is now in use as a water tower. Water is being poured from height to extinguish the fire.”

An aerial ladder platform was sent from Harlow, and an incident command unit from Basildon and a water bowser from Chelmsford were supplied.

At 12.40pm crews were switching over and a six pump relief crew was put in place.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police will carry out an investigation.