Colchester homes evacuated after fire involving 500 tyres
Residents have been allowed back home after being removed from six flats following a fire involving about 500 tyres in Essex.
Fire crews were called to the blaze involving the tyres, workshop and lorry at the Universal Tyre Company in Colchester at 23:20 BST on Tuesday.
Eight crews spent most of the night tackling the blaze but have now left the scene in Hythe Hill.
A police and fire service investigation has begun into the cause of the fire.
The Environment Agency has also been informed.
Colchester Station Officer Joe Hassall said: "When we arrived, we could see there was a danger to residents living behind in a three storey block of flats.
"The fire was heading for two different workshop garages at the back, so speed was of the essence."
Two recovery vehicles were also destroyed in the blaze.