PROBLEMS with badly parked cars and other vehicles blocking local roads have been highlighted after firefighters were delayed getting to a blaze in Chadwell St Mary in the early hours of this morning.

The alarm was raised at around 3.25am when bushed were discovered on fire today (Sunday, 16 January) at Courtney Road in Chadwell St Mary.

Crews from Orsett and Grays were dispatched but were delayed in getting there by bad parking.

Watch Manager at Orsett Fire Station, Glen Jackson, said: "I'd like to thank the crews for working quickly and efficiently this morning. "Unfortunately, both of our engines were delayed in arriving at the scene as a result of poorly parked vehicles which blocked our access. "Owners of both vehicles were located and the vehicles were moved fairly quickly, but this isn't always the case. "When parking your cars and vans at night, please consider whether emergency vehicles will be able to pass through. Quick access is paramount for all emergency services." When finally arriving firefighters confirmed that the fire was bigger than first thought - affecting three sheds, a series of fence panels, some rubbish and a 20 metre high conifer, tree which was 100 per cent alight. The garden where the fire is believed to have started is completely fire damaged, and a car which was parked nearby, was also damaged by heat generated from the fire.