FIREFIGHTERS have tackled a blaze in industrial buildings close to the Costco petrol station in west Thurrock. The alarm was raised just before 5am and at 9am Essex Fire and Rescue announced the operation was being scaled down and plans are now being made to demolish what is left of the building.

The incident is close to new homes built as part of the Bellway Renovo development and is in building used by the ambulance service as a depot. Several ambulance vehicles were destroyed in the blaze.

The alarm was raised just before 5am and nine crews from stations across the area, including London firefighter, have been involved.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service reports: "Firefighters are currently at the scene of an industrial unit fire in Motherwell Way, Thurrock.

"If you live or work in the area, please keep your windows and doors closed as there's lots of smoke coming from the scene.

"On arrival, crews reported that an industrial unit - measuring 20 metres by 40 metres - was heavily smoke logged.

"Crews are making steady progress to extinguish the fire in sections."

The scene from nearby McDonalds.

Firefighters from Grays, Orsett, Wennington (London Fire Brigade, Basildon, Brentwood and Corringham and team from Chelmsford operating an aerial ladder platform attended.

At 9am Essex Fire and Rescue updated the situation, saying: "The incident has been scaled down to two fire engines and an aerial ladder platform. Crews are currently damping down the scene and monitoring hotspots.

"The building and a number of vehicles inside were destroyed in the fire.

"We'll be working with Extreme Rescue to dismantle the building to dampen any remaining hot spots and make the scene safe."