AN ARSON attack has torn through a bus depot destroying 36 vehicles leaving behind only charred metal skeletons.
Five fire crews raced to the storage yard in Chadwell St Mary on Friday evening and 25 firefighters tackled the inferno.
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Firefighters were called to tackle a large fire involving 36 double decker buses at a storage yard Credit: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Local homes and businesses suffered power cuts as smoke and flames reached overhead power lines Credit: Alamy
The fire broke out just after 6pm and a cloud of thick black smoke was seen billowing from the scene more than 20 miles away.
After three hours of battling the blaze, only two crews from Essex Fire and Rescue remained at the depot.
An investigation was then opened to find the cause of the fire.
The fire service has since confirmed that the fire was started deliberately.
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The fire burnt through 36 buses at the depot Credit: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Firefighters from five fire crews were called to tackle the inferno Credit: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
A spokesperson said: “The fire investigation has determined that the fire at the bus storage yard was started deliberately.
“This fire destroyed around 36 buses and required a significant emergency response.”
The service has urged anyone who witnessed the fire to make themselves known.
Several social media users commented that the smoke could be seen for across Essex.
One wrote on Facebook that the fumes could be seen more than 22 miles away near Loughton.
Another added that they spotted the huge cloud nearly 19 miles in the other direction at Woodham Ferrers near Chelmsford.
A third said they could smell the fire from the nearby town of Grays.
She wrote: “I could smell this in Grays, searched everywhere and couldn’t see anything just the smell, hope it’s out soon and you’re all safe.”
The firefighters tackled the blaze for three hours this evening Credit: Alamy
The fire could be seen for more than 20 miles according to Facebook users Credit: Alamy
Station Manager Lee Hurst 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.
“The fire investigation has determined that the fire was started deliberately.
“Anyone with information about how the fire started, or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area before the incident, is urged to contact FireStoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558 or online.
“Information provided to FireStoppers is completely anonymous and could help identify those responsible.”
