Southend fire RECAP: Two injured as blaze breaks out by Palace Theatre

Fire brigade update on blaze with evacuation of Palace Theatre

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have given an update saying that the fire has now been “surrounded”

It stated: “Update 4.49pm: The fire, which is now surrounded, is in the roof space of a flat neighbouring the Palace Theatre in Westcliff.

“The Palace Theatre and some neighbouring properties have been evacuated while our firefighters extinguish the fire. Crews are likely to remain on scene for at least two hours. The road remains closed.”

Incident Commander Dean Riley said: “Firefighters quickly contained a fire in the roof space of a flat next to the Palace Theatre and made the area safe. A number of people were evacuated from the theatre and neighbouring properties while crews worked to extinguish the fire.

“Our aerial ladder platform was used to remove roof tiles and dampen down hotspots. We’re grateful for the co-operation of Palace Theatre staff and residents in neighbouring properties who were evacuated during the incident.”