Residents of Basildon were left shaken and displaced after a major fire broke out in the Vange area, forcing multiple families to flee their homes as flames rapidly spread across rooftops.
The incident occurred on Rookyards, a residential street in Vange, where the blaze ignited and quickly intensified, reportedly fueled by plastic roofing materials that residents say “went up like a match.” The fire began at approximately 7:22 p.m., prompting an urgent response from crews across seven fire stations.
Eyewitnesses described a frightening scene as flames climbed through guttering and spread from one roof to another. One resident, Eliot Geddings, recounted how the fire proved difficult to contain due to the nature of the roofing materials and limited access to water. Firefighters were seen using ladders to douse the flames from above, working tirelessly to prevent further spread.
Despite the scale of the incident, no injuries have been reported, offering a sense of relief amid the destruction. However, the emotional and physical toll on residents has been significant, with many left unable to return to their homes as of the following day.
Displaced families were forced to seek temporary shelter, often relying on the kindness of neighbors after reports indicated that no immediate emergency accommodation was available. The sense of community has been a bright spot in an otherwise distressing situation, as residents came together to support one another during the crisis.
Emergency services managed to bring the fire under control after approximately two and a half hours. Authorities, including police, remain on-site to secure the affected properties while investigations into the cause of the fire are set to begin.
In an official update, Incident Commander Justin Mackerness confirmed that crews worked late into the night to extinguish remaining hotspots and ensure the area was safe. He also expressed gratitude to the local community for their patience and cooperation during the emergency.
As residents await further updates on when they can safely return to their homes, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly such events can unfold and the lasting impact they leave behind.
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