Latest emergency information
When there is a reported emergency, we will provide details of the actions you should take on this page.
Highlands Farm fire
Following the fire at Highlands Farm in East Hanningfield on Friday 24 July 2026, we are co-ordinating advice and offering support to the affected residents and businesses, as well as people living nearby.
You can also read our City Life article.
Access to properties
Access to properties affected by the fire will depend on their location and the extent of any damage. As a result, some residents and businesses may be able to return before others.
There is currently no update on timescales for re-entry. We will continue to share information directly with those affected as more is known about the condition of the site.
The area remains under a strict cordon and a no-fly zone remains in place, including for drones, while investigations continue.
Ongoing response
We continue to work with emergency services and partner agencies to assess the situation and support recovery efforts. We will provide further updates as they become available.
We have set up a helpline to offer support to businesses and residents directly affected by the fire at Highlands Farm, East Hanningfield on Friday 24 July 2026.
We are coordinating help and support, and we advise those whose property has been affected to contact their insurance company as a first priority.
You can call our dedicated helpline if you live in the area on 01245 605748, between 8.45am and 4.45pm, and you can also email Highlands.Support@chelmsford.gov.uk.
We recognise the significant impact that the recent incident at Highlands Farm has had on local businesses. We are working with our partners to provide support to businesses affected.
We are establishing the following support measures, and will publish further details shortly.
The measures are being co-ordinated by our Economic Development and Implementation Team via economy@chelmsford.gov.uk.
Emergency grant support scheme
Apply for emergency grant funding
We have set up an Emergency Grant Support Scheme for businesses directly impacted by the incident.
The scheme is intended to provide limited short-term financial assistance towards immediate recovery costs and essential business continuity measures, while businesses pursue insurance claims and other sources of support.
Temporary business accommodation
Businesses that have been displaced and require temporary office accommodation and thinking space can access short-term workspace at the Coval Co-Working Space, at the Civic Centre. This is a co-working business space, managed by Let’s Do Business Group and offers a supportive environment. This will be provided at no cost to the business.
In addition, support is available to help businesses identify and secure alternative commercial premises where longer-term accommodation is required.
Business recovery support
Businesses affected by the incident will be able to access a free bespoke one-to-one session with a business adviser to support you through this difficult time.
Business Rates and Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
We collect Business Rates on behalf of the government’s Valuation Office Agency. If your building has been destroyed or substantially damaged, it can be removed from the VOA’s ratings list. Once this has happened, you will no longer need to pay Businesses Rates on the affected building.
We have contacted the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) alerting them to the incident and the impact on affected businesses.
However, businesses should contact the VOA directly to speed this process up. It can take some time, and businesses should not assume that changes to their rates account will be made automatically. You can contact the VOA via 03000 501 501. You can also read their guidance on removing a property from the business rates list.
Following the fire at Highlands Farm in East Hanningfield on Friday 24 July 2026, some residents may find ash or debris on their property.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised that the overall risk to public health from the smoke and debris is low.
They have issued the following advice as a precaution:
do not sweep or vacuum debris, as this may create dust
if ash or debris has settled on your lawn, please avoid mowing until it has been removed
if you have some dust and debris from the fire on any clothing, then as a precaution it should be washed in lukewarm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes to remove any particles
some pieces of debris may have travelled beyond the site of the fire. If you find debris on your property and need to remove it, pick up any larger pieces wearing protective gloves and double bag the pieces within two plastic bags. You can then dispose of this in your black bin or at your local household recycling centre.
Some people who were exposed to the smoke may have experienced temporary symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat, watery eyes or mild breathing difficulties. These symptoms should improve once away from the affected area. If you are concerned or your symptoms persist, please contact your GP or NHS 111.