FIRE crews tackled an industrial unit fire for almost two hours yesterday following more than 20 calls from concerned residents.

Essex County Fire and Rescue were called to the incident in Springwood Drive, Braintree, yesterday at about 2.30pm.

The service received more than 20 calls from residents with multiple reports of smoke coming from the area.

Crews from both Braintree and Coggeshall fire stations attended the incident, where rubber pallets had caught fire.

A spokesman said: “On arrival, crews reported that a pile of rubber pallets was on fire outside an industrial unit.

“Firefighters extinguished the fire by 4:19pm, and the cause of the fire is being investigated.”

The service is also in search of more on-call firefighters to assist with incidents.

The spokesman added: “Braintree and Coggeshall fire stations are recruiting on-call firefighters.

“If you live or work within 5 minutes of either fire station, you could be paid to protect your community as an on-call firefighter.

“Find out more at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call.”