Firefighters are to remain at the scene of a huge Basildon blaze for at least five more days as advice from the UK Health and Security Agency is issued.
On Saturday morning, at around 1:15am, plumes of black smoke towered over Basildon and could be seen as far as Southend as a large fire tore through a recycling centre.
"Loud bangs" were heard around the town as warehouses and 15 vehicles went up in flames at the Burnt Mills industrial estate.
At the height of the blaze, 12 crews faced acrid smoke and searing heat as they tackled the inferno at the Hovefields Avenue site.
Essex Fire has since confirmed that firefighting operations are expected to continue in Hovefields Avenue, Basildon, for at least five more days.
During the daytime, crews are working with on-site staff to break up and extinguish piles of recycling materials.
Crews are also keeping a watching brief at the site overnight.
A large amount of smoke will be produced as firefighting operations continue.
A spokesman for Essex Fire said: "If you live or work in the area, you may see the smoke and notice the odour.
"The risk is minimal but we would advise you to keep your doors and windows closed, and to take extra care on the A127 alongside the site due to the risk of smoke blowing across the carriageway.
"We are in regular contact with the agencies to monitor the situation. In addition, we are monitoring the wind direction. We will let residents and business know if our advice changes.
"We would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience while we bring this incident to a safe conclusion."
When the fire is fully extinguished, Essex Fire and Rescue Service will launch an investigation into the cause.
Advice from UK Health and Security Agency has also been issued.
The advice stated: "Any smoke can be an irritant. If people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid outside areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.
"Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here