Firefighters tackle blaze at disused building in Pitsea
Crews were called just after midnight
Firefighters in Essex have been tackling a blaze overnight in Pitsea.
Crews were called to Rectory Road, where a disused building was alight at 12:15am (March 6).
Two crews from Basildon, and crews from Corringham and Rayleigh Weir attended using breathing apparatus to enter the building.
They had to withdraw as the roof began to partially collapse, with an Aerial Ladder Platform from Southend also used to fight the fire.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service say they were expected to stay at the scene for the next few hours, and that an investigation into the cause will take place.
Station Manager Russ Freeman said: "Crews were faced with a fire in the roof of a disused building measuring 30 metres by 10 metres.
"Firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus initially entered the building and did a brilliant job of stopping the fire from spreading.
"With the roof partially collapsing, crews withdrew and will continue to tackle the fire externally."