FIREFIGHTERS have spent hours tackling a blaze which engulfed 600 tonnes of animal feed inside an agricultural building.

Essex Fire Service was first called at around 2.30am yesterday to the blaze, in Hall Road, Asheldham, with crews requesting backup on arrival.

Firefighters from Maldon, Burnham, Tillingham and South Woodham Ferrers remained at the scene until 10am until four relief crews could take over the firefighting.

At 10am, the incident commander requested two more fire engines as part of the relief crews and six crews from Burnham, Basildon, Harlow, Leigh, Rochford and Southend as well as the Aerial Ladder Platform from Chelmsford attended the scene.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Flames - the fire has engulfed a large amount of hay in an agricultural buildingFlames - the fire has engulfed a large amount of hay in an agricultural building

Crews tackled the fire in sections and made steady progress in extinguishing it while preventing the flames from spreading to other agricultural buildings.

At 5am this morning, six crews remained at the scene and firefighters created a fire break between the unaffected product.

Crews established a water source in a nearby lake and made use of a water bowser to transport water to the scene.

At 7.30am a spokesman said crews were making steady progress to extinguish the fire in sections while protecting surrounding buildings.

Crews will work with site staff throughout the day to continue moving unaffected product from the building.