Unattended garden fire spreads to home

Firefighters have issued safety advice after a garden fire was left unattended and spread to a house in Southend on Monday night.

Crews were alerted to the fire by a neighbour and reported on arrival that a bench to the rear of the property, a fence and the back of the house were alight.

Firefighters managed to stop the fire from getting inside the house and extinguished it by 11.14pm.

Gary Finan, Watch Manager at Southend Fire Station, said: "This fire was caused after a chiminea, which was already too close to the house and a bench, was left unattended and ignited nearby objects.

"With lots of people meeting each other in gardens due to the current COVID restrictions, we understand chimeneas and garden fires are being used - particularly in this colder weather. However, if you are going to start a fire in your garden, please remember to do so away from anything that might catch fire such as fences or trees.

"We also recommend that you keep a bucket of water on hand at all times - and never ever leave them unattended until they are completely out."

Garden fires - don't take the risk!

If you're planning on having a fire in your garden, remember to follow our advice:

• Site it well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
• Never leave the bonfire burning unattended
• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side
• NEVER use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire
• Don't burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint and bottles
• Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be supervised at all times
• Pour water on the embers before leaving