PHOTOS: Bonfire embers destroy house, shed and outbuilding

Firefighters have given safety advice after embers from a bonfire completely destroyed a house, shed and a number of outbuildings in Boreham earlier today.

On arrival, crews reported that a shed and a number of outbuildings were on fire and the fire had spread to a semi-detached house.

Firefighters have been working to extinguish the fire in sections to prevent the fire spreading to the house next door.

Three crews currently remain at the scene to extinguish the fire in sections and monitor hotspots.

A man and his dog have been rendered homeless after the fire completely destroyed his house, shed and a number of outbuildings. The house next-door has suffered some smoke damage and the occupants will be unable to return to it for a few days.

Firefighters believe the fire was caused by embers from a bonfire that had blown in the wind.

Station Manager Scott Meekings, Incident Commander said: “Firefighters have worked really hard to prevent this fire from spreading to and destroying the house next door.

“If you’re going to have a bonfire, please set it well away from sheds, fences, trees and bushes etc as the wind can carry the embers. Never leave bonfires unattended and make sure the embers have completely cooled before you leave the bonfire.”

UPDATE 9:30pm

Firefighters extinguised the fire by 9:28pm and have left the scene. 

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Firefighters attending this incident from Corringham, Great Baddow and Leaden Roding are on-call firefighters who all live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station. If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be paid to protect your community as an on-call firefighter.

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