Crews prevent two garden fires from spreading

Swift and decisive action from crews prevented garden fires from spreading to houses in two separate incidents.

Firefighters from Orsett and Grays were called to Queen Elizabeth Avenue, East Tilbury yesterday (Tuesday) at 7.31pm.

A large pile of rubbish being stored in a garden was alight and had spread to fences and garden furniture.

Crews stopped it from causing serious damage to the house and extinguished it by 8.24pm. The cause has been recorded as accidental.

At 8.13am today (Wednesday), crews from Orsett and Grays attended a fire in Scott Road, Chadwell St Mary.

Fence panels and garden furniture had caught alight and the fire was spreading towards the house. Crews fully extinguished the fire by 8.38am. They also gave oxygen to a woman who had breathed in smoke.

The cause could not be determined.

Watch Manager Terence Myers said: "With more of us using our gardens in this hot weather, these incidents highlight the importance of fire safety outdoors.

"Whether you're having a barbecue, doing some gardening or smoking outside, make sure you follow our advice to keep you and your family safe.  

"I'd also like to praise crews whose quick actions in both these incidents prevented any serious damage to the houses."

Garden safety

• Whether you're lighting a barbecue, bonfire or chimnea, make sure you set it up well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
• Don't let rubbish or garden waste build up, particularly near your home
• Never leave your fire unattended
• When you've finished, make sure your fire is completely out before moving it or leaving it
• The same goes is you're smoking outside...stub it out...right out