Bonfire destroys shed and neighbouring home

Crews were called to a property in Challinor, Harlow earlier today when a garden fire spread to a shed and a neighbouring property.

Firefighters were called to a house in Harlow at 10:20am, when a garden fire, which was believed to be extinguished, spread to a shed and a neighbouring property.

On arrival, crews confirmed that there was a fire in the garden, a shed and the ground floor of a property. Crews soon discovered that the fire had also spread into the roof space of the affected property.

Firefighters from Harlow and Old Harlow worked quickly to extinguish the fire by 11:05am. Fortunately, nobody was harmed.

Watch Manager Byatt at Harlow Fire Station, said “The fire spread quickly through the garden and into the neighbouring property. I’d like to thank the crews for their hard work today - they managed to prevent the fire from spreading to additional homes, and contained the fire to the ground floor of the affected property.”

If you’re having a bonfire in your garden this summer, remember:

• Bonfires should be at least 18 metres (60ft) away from houses, trees, hedges, fences, and sheds
• Never use petrol or paraffin to light a bonfire
• Only burn dry materials – damp materials will cause excess smoke
• Never put aerosols, batteries, tins of paint or tyres on a fire
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby
• Do not leave the fire unattended, and make sure it is fully out before heading inside

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Some of the firefighters who attended this incident are on-call firefighters, who live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station and are paid to attend incidents in their community.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter.

Find out more about the role at essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call