Hotel
destroyed
11 May 2007
AN ESSEX hotel lies in ruins today after fire tore
through the Grade II listed property.
Crews were called to Orsett Hall Hotel,
in Orsett, this morning after fire broke out in the
kitchens. Hampered by lack of water fire-fighters
struggled to bring the blaze under control.
Shortly after midday the building collapsed.
Dave Bill, divisional officer with Essex County Fire
and Rescue Service said: “Orsett Hall has been
destroyed, although a new annexe at the side of the
main building remains unscathed.Set in 12 acres of
grounds Orsett Hall was due to host a wedding today
and three further weddings tomorrow.
Just after 1pm initial investigations reported the
fire started in the grill in the kitchen which was
being used to prepare breakfast for hotel guests.
Mr Bill added: “It quickly spread through a
void which ran up three floors of the building from
the kitchen to the roof.
At 1.20pm, divisional officer Olly Holford, commander
for Thurrock and Brentwood, said: “The fire
is surrounded with one oscillating monitor and four
main jets in use. Gas and electricity supplies have
been isolated. Steady progress is being made.
“There is still thick smoke over the area and
families living in Orsett and the surrounding area
are being advised to keep their windows closed.”
The hotel management has set up an information number
for members of the public to call if they have upcoming
events booked at the hotel
|