A large explosion tore through an industrial unit on farmland near Rettendon, Essex, on the afternoon of 24 July 2026, triggering a major response from more than 100 firefighters.
What Happened in Rettendon
Emergency crews were called to farmland in Southend Road, located between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, at around 4:50pm on Friday afternoon. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was dealing with a large industrial unit fire at the site (Essex County Fire and Rescue Service). Local residents reported hearing a loud blast shortly before the fire took hold, with some describing the sound as similar to a bomb going off (Yahoo News).
Scale of the Explosion
Witnesses in nearby villages said the explosion rattled windows and could be heard for miles around. Social media footage showed an orange fireball rising above the farmland, followed by a thick column of black smoke that stayed visible for hours. Some reports suggested the smoke plume could even be seen from parts of south east London (LBC).
Emergency Services Respond in Force
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that over 100 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze, supported by multiple fire engines from stations across the county (Essex County Fire and Rescue Service). Earlier in the incident, around 45 firefighters and 11 fire engines were already working at the scene before further reinforcements arrived (GB News). The East of England Ambulance Service also attended and described the situation as a significant incident (LBC).
Safety Warnings for Local Residents
Essex Fire and Rescue Service urged people living or travelling near the site to avoid the area completely and keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution against smoke inhalation (Essex County Fire and Rescue Service). The advice was repeated several times through the afternoon and evening as the fire service worked to bring the blaze under control (LBC).
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Location and Setting
The site sits on farmland along Southend Road, in the countryside between Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea. The area is largely rural, with the industrial unit positioned between the villages of East Hanningfield and Rettendon (LBC).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, Essex |
| Time reported | Around 4:50pm, 24 July 2026 |
| Firefighters involved | Over 100 at peak response |
| Fire engines | At least 11 |
| Emergency services | Essex Fire and Rescue, East of England Ambulance Service |
| Public advice | Avoid the area, keep windows and doors closed |
Aerial Footage Shows Extent of the Damage
Drone and aerial video released by the fire service showed multiple buildings ablaze and a large plume of dark smoke rising from the site. The footage highlighted the scale of destruction across the industrial unit (Yahoo News).
Cause of the Fire Under Investigation
As of the latest updates, the exact cause of the explosion and fire had not been confirmed. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service listed the incident as ongoing while crews worked to fully extinguish the blaze, with a fire investigation expected once the scene was made safe (Essex County Fire and Rescue Service).
Why This Fire Drew Wide Attention
Explosions felt across a wide area are uncommon in rural Essex, which is why this incident attracted attention from national outlets as well as local residents. The combination of a loud blast, a visible fireball, and a fast, large scale fire service response placed the event firmly in the public eye (The Deep Dive).
FAQ: Rettendon, Essex Farm Warehouse Explosion
Q: What happened in Rettendon, Essex?
A: A large industrial unit fire broke out on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, on Friday evening. Witnesses reported hearing explosions, and the blaze quickly drew a significant emergency response.
Q: How far away could the explosion be heard?
A: Local reports say the explosions were heard up to 12 miles away, with residents across the wider area noticing the noise and smoke.
Q: Was anyone injured in the explosion?
A: As of the latest reports, it was unknown whether anyone had been injured. The East of England Ambulance Service classified the incident as “significant,” but no confirmed casualty figures had been released at that point.
Q: What caused the explosion?
A: The cause of the fire had not been confirmed at the time of reporting. Investigations were expected once the scene was made safe.
Q: Is the fire under control?
A: Emergency services, including Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, remained on the scene and were focused on stopping the flames from spreading to neighboring commercial units and farm properties.
Q: How visible was the smoke?
A: Large plumes of black smoke were visible for miles, drifting across south Essex, Chelmsford, and Maldon.
Q: Should residents avoid the area?
A: Yes, locals were advised to avoid Southend Road and the surrounding area due to heavy disruption and the ongoing emergency response.
Q: Where can I get updates on this story?
A: Following local outlets covering Essex news, as well as official channels from Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, will provide the most reliable updates as more details are confirmed.
