Bonfire embers catch decking alight

Firefighters are giving bonfire safety advice after embers from a bonfire caught decking alight in Shoebury last night.

Crews were called to a garden fire in Ashanti Close, Shoebury at 11:51pm.

On arrival, crews reported that an incinerator had caught decking alight and was starting to affect a house.

Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire and prevent it spreading to the house by 12:16am.

Watch Manager Ian Lighton from Shoebury Fire Station said: “Please make sure bonfire embers are fully cooled before you leave them unattended as it only takes an ember to start a fire. You can use water to help you cool the embers.

“Make sure to set your bonfire well away from anything an ember or flame can catch alight like fences, decking, houses and plants.”

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Shoebury’s firefighters are on-call firefighters, who live or work within 5 minutes of the station and are paid to protect their community. 

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

Find out more about the role and how to apply at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call