The Hoe Lane timber reclamation site on the Birchwood Industrial Estate, Nazeing has gone up in flames for the second time in five months.

Nine fire appliances, including an aerial platform and an off-road vehicle were called to the site yesterday (Saturday May 30) just after 1pm to reports of a fire.

At its height firefighters estimate that over 100 tonnes of woodchippings were ablaze.

Assistant Divisional Officer Greg Keys said: "Several wood piles are on fire in the yard and three monitors are in use to tackle the fire."

"Approximately 35 firefighters have been fighting the blaze, they have worked extremely well in punishing conditions this afternoon and further fire crews will continue to work throughout the night monitoring the fire."

After fighting the flames through the night two crews remained at the site this morning (sunday) It is understood that the fire is now largely under control The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and a full investigation will be carried out.

In January, The large wood pile- intended for recycling, burnt for three days, trapping residents in their homes.

Meanwhile prospective Mp for Nazeing, Robert Halfon has called for a public inquiry over the fire.

Mr Halfon wrote to the Environment Agency in January following the last blaze which burned for several days saying the site is a danger to local residents.

He said: "This latest blaze only underlines what I said before, that the site is a danger to local people and the use of the site for storing wood chippings should be stopped.

"The site is not suitable for such a use and it is unfair on the people who live nearby to have this potential hazard sitting on their doorsteps."