Essex firefighters struggle with lack of working hydrants during large caravan fire

Firefighters in Roydon, Essex, had to call in extra help after realising it was not just a shed on fire. Credit: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

Firefighters struggled with a lack of working hydrants while putting out a large fire that destroyed multiple caravans.

Crews were called to Roydon, in Essex, on Friday evening, initially thinking it was just a shed on fire.

But it was much larger than expected, with two caravans and several fence panels alight. It quickly spread to other caravans.

The crew from Harlow said they had to call in extra help from Essex and Hertfordshire.

The main challenge was a limited number of working hydrants, which meant firefighters had to set up long water hoses.

Multiple caravans were destroyed in a fire in Roydon, Essex. Credit: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

Watch manager Brendan Cardy from Harlow Fire Station said: "Crews worked tirelessly in challenging circumstances to bring the fire under control.

"I'd like to thank our colleagues from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for their assistance with the water relay."

The fire was extinguished within two hours. No one was injured.

Firefighters could not determine the cause of the fire.

Firefighters at the large fire in Roydon, Essex. Credit: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

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