Huge fire breaks out at factory in Harlow

Firefighters were called to a large fire in an industrial building in River Way at 5.22am.

Essex Fire Service advised people living in the area to keep their windows and doors shut because of the amount of smoke.

The fire has now been brought under control and contained to one building, the fire service said.

Pictures and videos show huge plumes of smoke billowing into the air over the industrial estate and other parts of Harlow.

The scene in River Way. Credit: Essex Fire Service

The fire service says when crews arrived, 95 per cent of the factory was alight and completely smoke-logged.

A statement said: "Access to the building is extremely limited and crews from Essex and Hertfordshire are working hard in difficult conditions to tackle the fire as quickly as possible."

There were at least ten fire engines in attendance including from Harlow, Stansted, Waltham Abbey, and Chelmsford, as well as London and Hertfordshire.

Smoke and flames at the industrial building. Credit: Essex Fire Service

Dorottya Spanyik said her husband had been working on a nightshift at Riverway Food in the industrial unit when fire alarms sounded.

She told the PA news agency: “The fire was massive… you could see and feel the smoke all around Harlow.

“My husband works there, he was there when the fire started before 6am.

“I’m not sure who alerted the fire brigade, because the whole night shift was still there when the fire alarms went off.”

Ms Spanyik said her husband has not been told when he will be able to return to work and is safe but “stressed”.

“They have no idea (when he will return), the fire was really big and even when he left the firefighters were still working to stop the fire,” she added.

“He is home now and luckily no personal injury, but he is very stressed.”

“I’m not sure who alerted the fire brigade, because the whole night shift was still there when the fire alarms went off.”

At the scene of the fire. Credit: PA

Drivers are being warned of traffic disruption in the area. The industrial estate is situated off the A414 Edinburgh Way.