Firefighters battled a large fire at the back of the Fox and Raven pub in Barnes Mill Road today (June 21) during their strike.
Three working crews rushed to the scene, behind the Miller & Carter steakhouse, at around 12.40pm to find a barn fully alight.
It is believed the blaze started in the small smoking area at the back of the Chelmer Village pub before travelling to the neighbouring car park barn, belonging to the steakhouse, which was completely gutted by the flames.
Those in the pub were evacuated while firefighters brought the fire under control and the establishment remained closed to customers while safety checks were carried out.
Speaking to the Chronicle after the fire had been put out this afternoon staff from the steakhouse believed that the fire was caused by the failure of a smoker to properly extinguish their cigarette at the Fox and Raven, although an investigation will be carried out to verify the cause.
Firefighters used three hose reels and one "main jet" to bring the flames under control and it was out by 1.15pm.
Nobody was hurt but Essex Fire and Rescue and Essex Police will carry out a joint investigation into the cause.
A fire service spokesman said they responded, in the third hour of the dispute over pensions, because of a "high number of calls."
