Two families living on either side of a burning vehicle workshop in Layer Road, Colchester have been evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters in Colchester were called to a vehicle workshop at the Kingsford Business Centre this afternoon shortly after 3.30pm after reports that a fire had broken out.
Station officer Dave Barritt reported that the building was totally engulfed by the flames, and that various cylinders were involved, including one acetylene cylinder.
The fire was extinguished by 7.30pm, but a fire service spokesperson confirmed that firefighters would remain on site throughout the night to monitor the scene.
Station officer Barritt added: “A 150 metre exclusion zone is in place surrounding the building due to the acetylene cylinder involved in the fire. Two families living on either side of the workshop have been evacuated from their homes as a precaution.”
Layer Road is currently closed at the Berechurch Hall Road junction while fire crews are on the scene.
The cause at this stage is unknown, with Essex firefighters and the police set to carry out an investigation in due course.
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