ESSEX'S fire service has confirmed it is dealing with an incident in south Essex this afternoon. 

It said via Twitter that crews were in attendance and it would keep people in the area informed. 

The fire is understood to be affecting a home and garden in Daiglen Drive, South Ockendon. 

Firefighters were said to be extinguishing flames as of 4pm today (March 25).

The fire service added it had received numerous emergency calls about the incident. 

Update 5.15pm

Residents in the area are being urged to keep windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke being caused by the fire. 

The flames have not yet been extinguished. 

In an update on the incident, the fire service said: "There is a lot of smoke in the area.

"If you live near Daiglen Drive in South Ockenden, please keep your doors and windows closed.

"While crews continue to tackle the fire, there is likely to be some disruption to traffic.

"Please use another route to avoid the area if possible."