Three explosions rocked a business park as a huge fire destroyed a garden ornament factory.

Twenty-five firefighters battled for several hours to bring the fire at Elms Business Park, Cranfield Park Road, Wickford, under control, overcoming the lack of water and exploding propane cylinders to put out the flames.

Saved - scorched figurines make a macabre sight as firefighters tackle the factory blaze Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

Guy Baker, the owner of the business, M & G Garden Supplies, is on holiday in Thailand and will be told the terrible news over the phone.

However, quick-thinking employees managed to escape injury by shutting the door on the smoke-filled shed after spotting the fire while working in another section.

Huge plumes of dark grey smoke drifted round the shed and cast a shroud over the concrete buddhas, owls and fire-breathing dragons as they watched their birthplace descend into ashes.

Basildon fire station commander Olly Holford said: "The business uses an oven to dry out moulds and it seems that the timber packaging was placed too near to the heat."

Published Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo