Fire crews have been working through the night to tackle a huge fire at a warehouse in Harwich, Essex, after the building became 'fully alight' in the early hours of August 16, 2026.
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service were called to the warehouse on Stour Road at approximately 3:36am and dispatched around 35 firefighters to the scene. The property is now engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing out of the building.
Due to the heavy smoke, the fire service has advised local residents to keep their windows and doors shut to avoid inhaling fumes. One woman reported on Facebook that hot ash had covered her entire garden as a result of the fire.
Response and Local Impact
The fire has prompted a significant response from emergency services, with firefighters working through the night to bring the blaze under control. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and no injuries have been reported so far.
Residents in the surrounding area have been urged to remain vigilant and follow the safety advice issued by the fire service. The thick smoke has been visible from a distance, raising concerns among nearby communities.
Smoke Reported Across the Region
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they had received numerous calls from people reporting smoke in the Ipswich and Felixstowe area. However, they stressed that the smoke originated from Harwich, which is located on the other side of the River Orwell estuary.
The fire service has not yet provided an estimated time for when the fire will be fully extinguished, but crews remain on the scene. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
