Fire crews raced to the scene in Muckingford Road, Linford, in Essex, shortly before 7pm on Friday after flames engulfed a number of vehicles parked at the site
Dozens of double-decker buses have been destroyed after a huge fire tore through a bus storage yard.
Fire crews raced to the scene in Muckingford Road, Linford, in Essex, shortly before 7pm on Friday after flames engulfed a number of vehicles parked at the site. When firefighters arrived they found the blaze rapidly spreading between buses in the yard, prompting a major emergency response.
Crews battled for hours to bring the fire under control and by 9pm the incident had been scaled back, with two fire engines remaining at the scene to tackle hotspots and make the area safe. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said around 36 buses were destroyed in the blaze.
Station Manager Lee Hurst described the incident as “significant and challenging”.
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.”
Following an investigation, fire service officials concluded the blaze had been started deliberately.
Mr Hurst added: “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.”
Essex Police confirmed officers attended the scene alongside firefighters and are treating the incident as suspected arson.
A spokesperson said: “We’re investigating an incident in Linford which led to damage being caused to a number of buses. Alongside colleagues at Essex County Fire and Rescue, we attended a fire at a vehicle storage area in Muckingford Road shortly before 7pm on Friday 5 June.
“At this stage it is being treated as a suspected arson. We are working closely with fire service colleagues to establish the cause of the fire.”
Road closures were put in place while emergency services tackled the blaze but were lifted shortly after 9pm when work at the scene concluded.
No arrests have been made and detectives said they are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Essex Police online, through its live chat service, or by calling 101 quoting incident 1206 of June 5.
