FIREFIGHTERS and police officers from worked together at a blaze in Basildon to ensure the safety of animals.

Fire crews from across South Essex were called to the scene of an industrial unit fire in Gardiners Lane South, Basildon, this afternoon (Thursday, 18 April). The alarm was raised at 1.36pm.

At its height, eight fire appliances, including an Aerial Ladder Platform, were on scene, with firefighters extinguishing the fire in sections. Firefighters worked to prevent the fire spreading to neighbouring units.

Earlier on in the incident, smoke started to spread near to a veterinary surgery next door so crews worked with staff to evacuate a number of animals, including dogs, cats and rabbits. All animals were unharmed and transported to nearby vets.

Fire service group manager Marc Diggory said: "We've had a lot of crews here due to the amount of smoke and had to commit firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus to tackle the fire in sections. We've got it under control and will stay at the scene for a few hours to make the area safe. 

"There's no risk to the public and we've tried to keep road closures to a minimum. Thank you to everyone for your patience while we've been dealing with this incident."

The incident at Gardiners Lane South in Basildon.

Police officers were also involved in the incident and a statement from Essex Police says: "Alongside colleagues with Essex Fire and Rescue Service, UK Power Networks and East of England Ambulance Service, we were called to Gardiners Lane South, shortly after 1.45pm on Thursday 18 April.

"It was established a fire had taken hold inside a building adjacent to Southfields Veterinary Specialists.

"Around 50 animals were on site receiving treatment. Thankfully, staff at the vet managed to safely evacuate every animal.

"We attended and liaised with colleagues to ensure the safety of all persons and animals involved."

Vet staff and animals in an Essex Police carrier after the incident.

Officers on the scene then assisted with completing multiple journeys with a carrier full of poorly animals – ensuring they were taken on to nearby vets so their treatment could be resumed.

The cause of the fire has since been deemed to be non-suspicious.

Acting Inspector Kirsty Flynn, of Basildon Local Policing Team, said: "It doesn't matter whether we receive a report of a crime in progress or a concern for welfare, priority one for us is protecting life and keeping the public safe.

"That isn't just a promise to keep people safe, but animals too. We know all too well a pet is a family member and we recognised just how important it was to get these animals to another site so they could continue to receive care.

"This was a prime example of emergency services working as a team to ensure an effective response to a serious incident."