Blaze at derelict pub started 'deliberately'

Crews were called to tackle the blaze at the former Jack O’ Lantern pub on Daiglen Drive in South Ockendon at 1.20am on Wednesday 6 November.

The boarded-up two-storey pub, which measures approximately 20 by 30 metres, was around 60% alight, according to the fire service.

Major fire damage 

Firefighters from Grays Fire Station initially attended the scene, followed by a further two crews from Orsett and Corringham. Support from Southend were also requested.

Using an aerial ladder platform, crews fought the fire from the outside and had the inferno under control by 3.20pm. There were no reported injuries.

According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) website the site had been closed since 20 September 2020, when it suffered “major fire damage”

Safe conclusion 

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said the cause of the flames had been recorded as “deliberate”. No further details have yet been released.

Watch Manager Gary Bannister said: "Crews fought the fire from the outside, due to the condition of the building and the fact there was no risk to other properties.

"When the fire was out and it was safe to enter, firefighters entered the building to extinguish hotspots. 

"Crews have worked hard to bring the incident to a safe conclusion and a relief crew [was] at the scene into the early of hours of the morning."