Two crews are currently fighting the blaze, in Victoria Avenue, in Southend. It was reported shortly before 5.30pm this evening. An Essex Fire Service spokesman said: "Crews are currently dealing with a fire near Southend United FC's Stadium. "Firefighters were called to Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea, and on arrival reported that ten pallets of artificial grass were alight and causing a large amount of smoke. Firefighters are working quickly to extinguish the fire." There are no reports of any injuries. An onlooker told the Echo: "The fire is just to the left of the Far Post Bar entrance to the East Stand in the ground and not in the stadium itself. "There were two fire engines in attendance when I was there and I’m led to believe that it’s unused astroturf that the club had been storing that is on fire. "All the staff from the ground were evacuated but the stadium itself is fine." As of 6.10pm, fire bosses said two further crews, from Leigh and Hawkwell, were sent to the fire. Ten minutes later, the incident commander has reported that the fire was surrounded and firefighters were making good progress to extinguish it in sections. The fire has now been extinguished. Southend United have released a statement on the matter. It reads: "Essex Fire Service have successfully attended to a fire which broke out just after 5.20pm in a storage area to the left of the Far Post Bar entrance. "Nobody was injured and we are thankful for the quick response of @ECFRS." https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/17608470.fire-breaks-out-next-to-roots-hall-in-southend/
