A huge fire that tore through a storage yard in Essex on Friday evening, destroying 36 double-decker buses, is being treated as suspected arson, police have said.
Fire crews were called to the scene on Muckingford Road, between Chadwell St Mary’s and Linford, just after 6pm on June 5. The blaze was already spreading rapidly between the parked vehicles when firefighters arrived, according to Essex County Fire & Rescue Service. Thick black smoke was seen rising into the sky as the buses were reduced to metal shells.
“36 double-decker buses destroyed in suspected arson in Essex; no arrests yet.”
It took until 9pm to bring the fire under control, with two crews remaining to tackle hotspots. Roads in the area that had been closed were reopened around the same time.
Station manager Lee Hurst said an investigation had determined that the fire was likely started deliberately. “This was a significant and challenging incident involving a large number of vehicles,” he said. “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.”
Essex Police said officers were working closely with the fire service to establish the cause. A police statement said: “No arrests have been made and we’re working through a number of lines of enquiry.”