FIREFIGHTERS spent the best part of two days dealing with a fire on a new industrial development site near East Tilbury.

The alarm was raised mid afternoon on Wednesday, 19 February when workers at the battery energy storage site under construction off Station Road, close to the Network Rail crossing.

The site consists of multiple containers housing battery units.

The fire was caused by a fault in one of the battery cells within a single containerised battery unit, leading to ignition. Fire crews worked with the assistance of construction engineers to prevent the fire from spreading and ensuring the situation remained safe after the alarm was raised at 3.51pm.

On Wednesday eveing Essex Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Dan Partridge said: "Our firefighters worked quickly and effectively alongside the site owners and Thurrock Council to manage this fire safely. Through close monitoring and a carefully controlled response, we have contained the fire and made sure there is no risk to the wider community."

Firefighters used specialist equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and drones, to monitor temperatures and manage the fire in a controlled manner. Water was used to prevent heat transfer, and crews continue to oversee the situation.

The incident was managed throughout the following day and around 5pm on Thursday, Mr Partridge said: "The fire has been safely brought under control, and crews are now scaling back their response ready to hand the scene over to the site management.

"Over the last 24 hours, firefighters have worked tirelessly to contain the fire, prevent further risks, and ensure the safety of the site and surrounding area. The response was supported by the site's safety measures, including a reliable local fire water supply and appropriate spacing between battery units, which helped limit the spread of the fire. I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion."

Fire Officers will carry out an investigation with the site owners and its equipment suppliers into the cause of the fire when it is safe to do so.

The site of the fire is close to where an unexploded bomb was discovered and dealt with by the army in November last year.