An explosion at an industrial unit in Essex triggers a large fire that spreads to a fertiliser store, injuring 20 firefighters who are taken to hospital, according to multiple reports. More than 100 firefighters are deployed to tackle the blaze at the site, which is described as being associated with fertiliser storage. The incident includes major damage to fire equipment, with three fire engines destroyed in the fire, as reported by outlets covering the event. The explosion is reported to have been heard across the county. Essex’s chief fire officer praises firefighters’ work and courage as the fire develops and reaches the fertiliser area. The reported sequence links the initial blast to the subsequent fire at the industrial unit, and the scale of the response reflects the intensity and spread of the flames. Authorities do not provide a confirmed cause in the excerpts provided, and the coverage focuses on injuries, emergency response, and damage to firefighting vehicles.