News · 31 July 2026
Firefighters tackle Colchester nature reserve blaze, Rettendon explosion investigated
Pexels / RDNE Stock project
Around 50 firefighters are battling a blaze at Middlewick Ranges nature reserve in Colchester, which is now surrounded. The Health and Safety Executive is investigating a large industrial fire and explosion at Highlands Farm near Rettendon last Friday. That incident saw fertiliser explode, sending 20 firefighters to hospital and destroying three fire engines.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs