MULTIPLE fire crews were called to a recycling centre yesterday afternoon after 600 tonnes of clothing went up in flames.

Six on-call firefighting crews were called to the scene in Convent Lane, Braintree.

According to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, they received more than 60 call from residents about the incident.

Crews were called shortly before 12pm on Monday and arrived to find around 600 tonnes of discarded clothing was on fire.

The recycling centre is located between Convent Lane and the A131 at Marks Farm.

Towering plumes of smoke could be seen from the site with some residents picturing the smoke from as far as 11 miles away.

The six crews were bolstered to eight with firefighters coming from Braintree, Coggeshall, Halstead, Witham, Wethersfield and Dunmow.

The army of firefighters also included Halstead’s water bowser unit for added water.

At the scene, firefighters worked to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby woodland.

Essex Police were also called to the scene with residents advised to stay away from the site and keep their windows shut due to the smoke.

The incident is the second large fire on Convent Lane this year and comes after an industrial unit went up in flame on the road in January.

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Six crews were called to a fire at a recycling centre just off Convent Lane in Bocking at 11:57am. 

“On arrival, crews reported that approximately 600 tonnes of recycled clothing was alight.

“Firefighters have been working throughout the afternoon to extinguish the fire in sections and prevent it from spreading to nearby woodland. 

“We expect to remain at the scene throughout the day and the fire is still producing lots of smoke. Please avoid the area and keep your windows and doors shut if you live nearby.

“Many of the firefighters at this incident are on-call firefighters. They all live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station and are paid to protect their community.

"If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter.

"Find out more about the role and how to apply at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call.”