A large industrial unit was “completely alight” after a fire that took the entire morning to tackle.

Firefighters were called to Perry Road, Harlow, at around 12.33am this morning (November 11) to reports of a large fire at an industrial unit.

The two-storey unit which stretches around 60 metres by 40 metres, was completely alight according to fire crews.

While Essex County Fire & Rescue Service reported that the fire was under control by 6am, crews are working with local authorities and police to “establish a strategy” for the next 24 hours, and it is likely firefighting will continue for some time due to the scale of the fire.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Emergency services remain at the scene as the incident is ongoing (Photo: Essex Fire and Rescue)

Anyone living or working near to the fire are asked to keep their doors and windows closed due to the volume of smoke, and to avoid the area if possible.

Crews from Harlow, Loughton, Waltham Abbey, Epping, Old Harlow, Basildon, Chelmsford, Sawbridgeworth and Hoddesdon are in attendance.

Epping Forest Guardian:

A cordon is in place and people are advised to avoid the area (Photo: Essex Fire and Rescue)

Martyn Hare, Incident Commander, said near 7.30am: "Firefighters have worked hard through the night to surround and then control this fire, which took hold of this building very quickly.

"As firefighting has continued, the level of smoke has increased. Because of that, we have agreed with partners including Essex Police, the local authorities and the Environment Agency to implement a safety cordon of around a mile radius.

"This means that, for safety reasons, a nearby school and some local businesses will be temporarily closed. The local authority is engaging with the school, parents and business owners. Essex Police is also working with people who live on the nearby residential area to advise them to keep their windows and doors closed.

"I'd like to thank everyone affected by this incident for their patience and support - we are working hard to make the site safe as soon as we can. In the meantime, please continue to avoid the area."

The incident is currently ongoing.