Garden fire in Writtle

Crews were called to a property in Writtle last night when a garden caught alight and smoke filled two homes.

Firefighters were called to a property in Longmeads Close at 6:24pm, when an incinerator being used to burn garden waste caused a fire which spread quickly across the garden.

On arrival, crews confirmed that there was a fire in the garden, and smoke had entered two properties. Firefighters provided first aid to a neighbour who was suffering from smoke inhalation and the occupant was looked after by a neighbour and relatives.

Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire by 6:57pm and cleared the properties of smoke.

Crew Manager, Sunil Galvin, said: “The neighbour's action in damping the surrounding vegetation with a garden hose slowed the spread of fire which could have easily spread to the property. I'd like to thank the crew for their swift actions in extinguishing the fire and administering first aid to a male casualty that suffered smoke inhalation.

“Whilst summer weather provides the perfect opportunity to tidy up our gardens and burn unwanted garden waste, bonfires or incinerators should be used in a place well away from property and garden out buildings. If you intend to have a bonfire, make sure it is kept to a manageable size and you have sufficient water to hand to keep surrounding areas damped down.”

Do you have working smoke alarms in your home?

Smoke alarms save lives. They can alert your family as well as your neighbours and passers-by to a fire in your home if you're not home.

We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them at least once a month.

If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms, please get in touch. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.