THE number of crews tackling an ongoing industrial building fire has been scaled down.

Crews remain on scene at a fire in an industrial building in Croft Way, Witham. It is believed the incident was at Eastways Industrial Estate.

The fire service was called at 11.01am, and has been fighting the flames on the first floor of a two-storey building for the majority of today, September 5.

The fire affected ten per cent of the 50-metre by 25-metre building and it was 60 per cent smoke-logged when crews arrived.

Neighbouring businesses and buildings have also been evacuated as a precaution.

Residents nearby were advised to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area.

Eastways is still closed at Mott Lane due to the incident.

A total of 12 crews were tackling the fire at its height, including from Colchester, Witham, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Hawkwell and Lexden.

The number of crews has since been scaled down to eight.

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Two aerial ladder platforms, from Chelmsford and Grays, are also in use.

It is anticipated that four crews will take over at the scene at 6pm.

The fire service also said residents and businesses can expect disruption into the evening as work at the scene continues. 

Station manager Dan Wastell said: "The fire is surrounded and steady progress is being made to extinguish it.

"I'd like to praise crews who have worked extremely hard in arduous conditions to stop the fire from spreading and getting it under control.

"I'd also like to thank our partners, including the Salvation Army, Essex Police, ambulance service and Braintree Council, for their support, and businesses and residents for their co-operation and patience."

The fire is out and the incident closed at 7.24pm. There will be an investigation into the cause of the fire.