PHOTOS: 15 homes evacuated as garden fire spreads out of control

Crews were called to Greenwood Close this evening, when a garden caught alight and spread quickly to a group of conifer trees, destroying multiple gardens.

On arrival, firefighters confirmed that there was a well developed fire affecting gardens of approximately fifteen houses as well as multiple sheds, outbuildings and a group of conifer trees. Around 40 people were evacuated from their homes as a safety precaution.

Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire by 11:08pm.

Essex Police were at the scene and East of England Ambulance Service provided first aid to seven people as a result of the incident.

Unfortunately, a number of gardens have been destroyed and fifteen homes have suffered damage to exterior walls, windows and guttering.

A fire investigation is being carried out to determine the cause of the fire.

Area Manager, Neil Fenwick, said: “While summer weather usually provides the perfect opportunity to host a barbecue or gather around a chiminea in the evening, we’re strongly discouraging people from having any kinds of fires at the moment.

“The ground across Essex is extremely dry allowing fires to spread easily and quickly. This is true for gardens as well as fields and heathland.

"Please help us to help you. Please don’t have barbecues or bonfires. Please don’t use fireworks or set off sky lanterns. Doing so could cause a large scale fire like the one we’ve seen this evening.”

Update 7 August 2022: A fire investigation has been carried out and concludes that the fire was caused accidentally, by a chiminea.