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  "path": "/2026/06/07/huge-fire-destroyed-36-double-decker-buses-believed-arson-28679196/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-07T07:04:39.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "News",
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    "Essex",
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    "Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source"
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  "textContent": "Thick black plumes of smoke could be seen across the local area\n\nDozens of buses parked in an Essex storage yard were destroyed in a fire that is believed to have been started intentionally.\n\nFire crews were called out to the scene between Chadwell St Mary’s and Linford just after 6pm on Friday evening.\n\nEssex County Fire & Rescue Service said the blaze was already spreading quickly between the buses when they arrived.\n\nPictures from the scene on Muckingford Road show thick black smoke rising into the sky with the vehicles reduced to metal shells.\n\nFirefighters got the incident under control by 9pm, with two crews staying behind to tackle hot spots.\n\n##  Sign up for all of the latest stories\n\nStart your day informed with Metro's **News Updates** newsletter or get **Breaking News** alerts the moment it happens.\n\nStation manager Lee Hurst said an investigation had already determined that the fire was likely started deliberately.\n\nHe said: ‘This was a significant and challenging incident involving a large number of vehicles.\n\n‘Thanks to the hard work and professionalism of our firefighters, supported by Essex Police, utility providers and local farmers, we were able to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread.\n\n‘I would like to thank all of the partner agencies and members of the local community who assisted us throughout the incident.’\n\nFire crews at the scene in Essex (Picture: Essex Fire and Rescue)\n\nThe fire destroyed 36 buses (Picture: Essex Fire and Rescue)\n\nEssex Police said officers were working closely with the fire service to establish the cause of the fire, but it was being treated as suspected arson.\n\nA statement said: ‘No arrests have been made and we’re working through a number of lines of enquiry.’\n\nRoads in the area that were closed while crews fought the fire were reopened at around 9pm.\n\n******Get in touch with our news team by emailing us atwebnews@metro.co.uk.******\n\n**For more stories like this,** check our news page.\n\nComment now Comments \nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
  "title": "Huge fire that destroyed 36 double-decker buses believed to be arson"
}