Incident commander Dan Wastell said: "Crews have worked hard and the fire is now under control. It is two semi-detached houses, which are fully alight."

Essex Fire and Rescue said an investigation into the cause would take place on Monday morning.

Crews from Burnham, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Witham, Tollesbury and Rochford attended the scene, with an aerial platform from Chelmsford.