A FIRE swept through shops and flats in Riverview, Chadwell St Mary this morning.
Over eight fire crews spent the night trying to contain the blaze after being called to a flat on fire above a row of shops.
At 4am, Incident Commander-Divisional Officer John Moulson reports: “Crews are wearing breathing apparatus and are tackling the fire using two hose reel jets.
“The aerial ladder platform is being used to tackle the blaze from above to gain access to the roof area which is approximately 30 percent alight.
“The area on fire measures some 150m x 70m, and the fire has affected two neighbouring flats.”
Residents including Georgina Hayers have been evacuated from the flats to safety.
Georgina said: “The fire was just above the opticans and charity shop in Riverview. It was about 2.30 in the morning. It seemed to affect three flats.
“We were evacuated to Tilbury Police Station. The area is still cordoned off (10am).
By 5am, Incident Commander Moulson reported that the fire was extinguished.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and ECFRS and the police will carry out an investigation.
