Fire breaks out in converted restaurant in Harlow
Fire crews are trying to bring it under control
Last updated 14th Apr 2022
Essex Fire says it's dealing with a fire at a converted restaurant in Harlow.
Crews from Harlow, Old Harlow, Epping, Stansted and Sawbridgeworth were called just after 4am this morning to the two-storey building on Fore Street.
The building was around 25% alight on arrival and completely smoke logged - the fire itself had taken hold in the roof space.
At 5.30am, James Taylor, Group Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I'd like to thank our crews for their quick response to begin managing this incident quickly and professionally in difficult conditions.
"Right now, we're working hard to get the fire under control - so for safety reasons many of the nearby roads will be closed this morning. We are likely to be here for some time making the scene safe before completing a fire investigation to understand the cause of the fire.
"With that in mind, please avoid the area if you're planning to travel this morning and allow extra time to your journey if you live or work nearby. Thank you for your co-operation."
At 6.30am, the fire was confirmed as under control.
An Aerial Ladder Platform, which allows crews to work at height, was in use to support the cutting away of the roof to access and extinguish remaining hotspots within the structure.
Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of crews, the building has avoided significant damage.
The road will continue to be closed this morning. Firefighters are working with local residents to manage access to nearby properties.
A full fire investigation will take place once the scene has completely cooled.