PICTURES: Firefighters tackle blaze at Heybridge Basin, metres from houseboats

Ablaze - crews battled the flames at Heybridge Basin. (Credit: ECFRS)

A BLAZE in Heybridge Basin saw flames come within metres of nearby houseboats, as firefighters worked to bring it under control.

Two crews from Maldon Fire Station were sent to tackle a fire affecting an outdoor structure on the far bank of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, in the early hours of Sunday morning (November 2).

Due to the remote location, firefighters used a specialist light-portable pump to draw water from the nearby canal, to extinguish the flames.

Endangered - crews worked to protect boats moored nearby. (Credit: ECFRS)

Fire crews thanked those who helped them at the scene.

A spokesperson for the Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said: "We would like to extend a massive thanks to Essex Waterways Ltd and the Lock Keeper at Heybridge Basin.

Heroes - some of the firefighters sent from Maldon Fire Station to tackle the flames. (Credit: ECFRS)

"They ably assisted crews helping to transport tools and equipment from Daisy Meadows Car Park up the canal to the incident location, to enable firefighters to protect surrounding risks and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby moored boats."