Weed burner causes shed fire

Firefighters were called to a shed fire in Osborne Close, Clacton at 2:05pm. 

On arrival, crews reported that a shed was on fire and was starting to spread to a nearby bungalow. 

Firefighters rescued an elderly woman from the bungalow and extinguished the fire by 2:45pm. 

Crews believe the fire was caused by a weed burner that had not fully cooled down before being put in the shed.

Watch Manager Matt Baxter from Wivenhoe Fire Station said: “We’d recommend you avoid using weed burners generally as they often cause fires, especially in dry conditions throughout summer. 

“If you are going to use them, we’d advise you use them carefully and keep water on hand while using them as it only takes an ember in dry conditions to start a fire. Then make sure they are fully cooled down before storing them.”