A preparatory school in Essex was forced to evacuate after a fire engulfed a nearby house and outbuilding, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Fire Breaks Out on Braintree Road
Fire crews were called to a blaze at a property on Braintree Road just after 10 a.m. on Wednesday. The fire quickly spread to an outbuilding, producing thick smoke that drifted toward Felsted School, a boarding and day school in Felsted, Dunmow.
As a precaution, the school was evacuated, with students and staff moved to safety. All occupants of the house had already evacuated before firefighters arrived, but crews rescued a dog from the property. No injuries have been reported.
Fire Service Response
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire was extinguished, and crews remained on scene to check for hotspots. A statement issued just after noon read: "Crews are in attendance at a house fire in Felsted. We were called to Braintree Road today (Wednesday 29 April) at 10.34 a.m. The occupants were safely outside when crews arrived, but a dog was rescued. The fire is affecting an outbuilding and part of the house. The fire is out and crews are checking for hotspots. Felsted School was evacuated due to smoke. An investigation will be carried out to establish the cause."
Station Manager Scott Fretton praised the firefighters' efforts, saying: "Crews have done a great job, with difficult access, to extinguish the fire quickly. We will be at the scene into the afternoon to check for hotspots."
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and authorities are working to ensure the area is safe before allowing residents and school activities to resume.
