A dramatic, almost cinematic video captured the moment a deliberately set fire broke out at a vehicle storage depot in Essex, England, destroying 36 double-decker buses.

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed from the site on Mockingford Road, prompting the closure of several nearby roads as Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service worked to contain the blaze. Firefighters spent more than two hours bringing the fire under control.

Police have launched an arson investigation after preliminary findings by fire investigators concluded that the blaze was started deliberately. No suspects have been arrested so far, and Essex Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Lee Hurst, Station Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, described the incident as “a large and complex fire involving a significant number of vehicles.”

He added: “Thanks to the hard work and professionalism of our firefighters, and with support from Essex Police, utility providers, and local farmers, we were able to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading further.”

Hurst also thanked partner agencies and members of the local community for their assistance throughout the emergency response.