Huge fire that destroyed 36 double-decker buses believed to be arson

Dozens of buses parked in an Essex storage yard were destroyed in a fire that is believed to have been started intentionally.

Fire crews were called out to the scene between Chadwell St Mary’s and Linford just after 6pm on Friday evening.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said the blaze was already spreading quickly between the buses when they arrived.

Pictures from the scene on Muckingford Road show thick black smoke rising into the sky with the vehicles reduced to metal shells.

Firefighters got the incident under control by 9pm, with two crews staying behind to tackle hot spots.

Station manager Lee Hurst said an investigation had already determined that the fire was likely started deliberately.

He said: ‘This was a significant and challenging incident involving a large number of vehicles.

‘Thanks to the hard work and professionalism of our firefighters, supported by Essex Police, utility providers and local farmers, we were able to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread.

‘I would like to thank all of the partner agencies and members of the local community who assisted us throughout the incident.’

Essex Police said officers were working closely with the fire service to establish the cause of the fire, but it was being treated as suspected arson.

A statement said: ‘No arrests have been made and we’re working through a number of lines of enquiry.’

Roads in the area that were closed while crews fought the fire were reopened at around 9pm.

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