Dedicated support for businesses and residents at Highlands Farm

A helpline has been set up to offer support to businesses and residents affected by Friday’s fire at Highlands Farm, East Hanningfield. Fire crews remain at the site monitoring the situation and working to dampen down hotspots, and a cordon is in place.

Help and support are being coordinated by Chelmsford City Council, which advises those whose property has been affected to contact their insurance company as a first priority. A dedicated helpline is available for people living in the area on 01245 605748, between 8.45am and 4.45pm, and you can also email Highlands.Support@chelmsford.gov.uk.

Access to properties affected by the fire will depend on location and damage, so it’s likely that some people may be allowed back into homes and businesses before others. There is no news on timescales as yet, but the council will share updates with those who have been directly impacted when the condition of the site is better known.

For now, the area remains under strict cordon with a no-fly zone also in place (including for drones) while investigations are under way.

The council is drawing up a package of emergency support for businesses based at the site. If your business is affected, please contact the team at economy@chelmsford.gov.uk to discuss the support available.

Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, said,

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“I want to thank our fire and rescue service for their swift response, and I’m glad that all the different agencies worked so well together. I would like to reassure residents and businesses that Chelmsford City Council is here to support you. We fully understand the need for effective help for those whose homes and livelihoods have been directly impacted by this shocking event. We’ll keep sharing clear updates, and if you’ve been affected, please contact the helpline.”

Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council

Fire services were called to the fire at the farm’s industrial units on Southend Road, East Hanningfield, at 4.50pm on Friday 24 July. Fertiliser inside one of the units caught light, causing a significant explosion. Fortunately, there have been no serious injuries.

For further advice and ongoing updates about the recovery of the Highlands Farm site, visit Chelmsford City Council’s latest emergency information page.