Police have advised motorists to avoid the Takeley area following an explosion at a scrap metal yard.
Firefighters are currently battling the large blaze and officers have recommended that anyone who is travelling to nearby Stansted Airport allow extra time for their journey.
Stansted Airport has confirmed that its flight operations have not been impacted by the blaze.
Police have closed the B1256 (Dunmow Road) in both directions between Parsonage Road (The Four Ashes) and Canfield Road. Motorists have been warned they face long delays.
Fire crews were called to the scrap yard, on Dunmow Road, at about 4.30pm. A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews are fighting the fire on multiple fronts...it is thought that this fire involves a number of acetylene and oxygen cylinders.”
The East of England Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team is on the scene and two people have been treated for minor injuries.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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