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Bonfire warning issued as outhouse catches fire

News imageEssex County Fire and Rescue Service A firefighter is using a hose to spray water on the ground. Around them the ground is burnt as well as an outhouse. Some of the walls have been burnt down leaving just the charred support beams holding it up.Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
A small bonfire spread to a log pile and damaged an outbuilding

People are being warned to take extra care when lighting bonfires in dry and windy conditions.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was called to Hertford Drive in Fobbing, near Basildon, on Tuesday, after a bonfire spread to an outbuilding at about 16:50 BST.

Station manager Steve Kirkham said: "A small bonfire spread to a log pile consisting of around six tonnes of wood, and an outbuilding.

"Crews brought the fire under control, stopped it spreading and extinguished it in just over an hour, and remained at the scene into the evening to dampen down."

News imageEssex Fire and Rescue Service A smoking pile of charred logs and wood. Some if it is still burning with orange flames coming from the gaps in the pile.Essex Fire and Rescue Service
Crews from Corringham, Grays, Basildon and Canvey attended the incident

The incident served as a reminder to take extra care when having a bonfire, particularly in dry and windy conditions, Mr Kirkham said.

He added people should ensure bonfires were set "well away" from anything that could catch alight.

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