Firefighters were called to a barbecue fire in Braintree earlier this evening. 

On arrival, crews reported that a gas barbecue was on fire and had spread to the gas cylinder. 

Firefighters allowed the gas to vent off while tackling the fire with water until it was  extinguished by 7:53pm.

Firefighters were called to a garden fire in Rochford earlier today after embers from a chiminea spread to two outbuildings and fence panels.

On arrival, crews reported that two outbuildings were 100% alight and the fire had spread to fence panels.

Crews extinguished the fire by 4:32pm.

Garden fires - don't take the risk!

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

Firefighters rescued two people who were trapped in their vehicle following a road traffic collision in Maldon.

Crews rescued two people from their vehicle by 6:03pm and they were left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

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Firefighters were called to a shed fire in Cambridge Road, Ugley at 5:45am.

On arrival, crews reported that a shed, measuring 8 metres by 5 metres, was on fire and firefighters worked to extinguish it by 6:30am.

Firefighters believe the fire was started after an electrical fault with a freezer stored in the shed.

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Firefighters were called to a garden fire in Clacton this afternoon after embers in an incinerator set a shed alight.

On arrival, crews reported that a garden shed was on fire and extinguished it by 1:23pm.

Watch Manager Ian Street from Clacton Fire Station said: “Please never leave any type of bonfire, incinerator or open fire outside unattended. Make sure the fire is properly extinguished before you leave it and set it up well away from anything the flames or embers could spread to and quickly catch alight like trees, plants, sheds, fence panels, houses and garages.”

Firefighters were called to a road traffic collision in Mountbatten Drive, Colchester at 4:21pm.

On arrival, crews reported that a car had collided with a garage and a woman was trapped in her vehicle.

Our Urban Search and Rescue team was called to help make the structure of the garage safe so firefighters and our colleagues in the Ambulance Service could rescue the woman.

The casualty was rescued by 6:10pm and left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

Firefighters were called to a chimney fire in Warley last night.

On arrival, crews reported that there was a fire in a chimney flue and extinguished it by 10:40pm using chimney rods.

Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within chimneys. Keep your family and home safe by following our chimney safety advice:

Firefighters rescued a man whose flat had filled with smoke after he fell asleep while cooking.

Crews from Rayleigh Weir and Hawkwell were called to a first floor flat in High Street, Rayleigh today at 1.23pm after a neighbour heard a smoke alarm sounding.

Watch Manager Wayne Davey said: "The occupant had put a couple of pans on the cooker and fallen asleep, causing his flat to fill with smoke.

"Crews managed to rouse him and he let them in, but he was suffering from smoke inhalation.

Firefighters have advised people not to cook while tired after attending a kitchen fire in Basildon.

On arrival, crews reported that there was a fire in the kitchen of a house in Rantree Fold, Basildon and firefighters extinguished it by 9:16pm.

The kitchen has been badly smoke and fire damaged.

Watch Manager Walsh from Basildon Fire Station said: “Please do not cook when you’re tired, it’s easy to fall asleep and a fire can quickly develop.”

Cooking safety

Firefighters helped a 31-year-old horse back to its feet after it suffered a fall in Orsett this morning.

The horse, which weighs around 600 kilograms, was found on its side before crews arrived.

Firefighters worked alongside a local vet to ensure the animal was looked after and treated appropriately before specialist animal rescue equipment was used to lift it back to its feet.

The horse was moving freely again by 1.15pm.