Firefighters are urging smokers to properly stub out cigarettes after a garden fire in Chelmsford was caused by a discarded cigarette earlier today. 

Crews were called to Kings Road, Chelmsford at 2:59pm. 

On arrival, firefighters reported that a fire in a garden had spread to the front of a house. 

Firefighters extinguished the fire and believe it was caused by a discarded cigarette. 

Crews are tackling a fire affecting straw and vehicles at a farm in Stoke-by-Nayland.

We were called to Calves Lane today at 12.14pm and two crews from Colchester and one from Sudbury (Suffolk) attended.

They found approximately 15 tonnes of straw, a lorry and trailers alight. An additional crew from Long Melford (Suffolk), Halstead's Water Bowser, which supplies large quantities of water, and our Urban Search and Rescue team's drone were requested.

Watch Manager Dan Davis said: "Crews worked hard to protect surrounding buildings, including barns containing straw.

Crews have issued safety advice after a house fire was caused by an electrical fault.

We were called to reports of a fire in Brunwin Way, Rayne yesterday (Tuesday 16 July) at 10.24am. 

A neighbour spotted smoke coming out of a window and called 999.

Firefighters from Braintree, Chelmsford, Dunmow, Halstead, Hawkwell and Wethersfield attended. 

Station Manger Tim Rickard said: "When we arrived there was a significant fire in the semi-detached house, which had spread through the roof into the neighbouring property.

Crews have issued safety advice after a flat fire in Burnham was started by a cigarette.

We were called to a ground floor property in Glendale Close today (Tuesday 16 July) at 2.12am.

Watch Manager Jon Vincent said: "The occupant had put his cigarette in an ash tray next his armchair when he got up to go to the kitchen.

"Unfortunately, because the ash try was overflowing and cigarette was not properly extinguished, it set the armchair alight.

"Thankfully he noticed the fire, got out safely, along with his dog, and called 999."

Firefighters from Loughton and London Fire Brigade Hainault were called to a fire in the kitchen near Limes Avenue, Chigwell this afternoon. 

When crews arrived they confirmed that there was a significant fire which was out on arrival. The fire was caused by oil overheating in a chip pan which set alight.

Watch Manager Glenn Jackson said: “When the chip pan set alight the resident tried to tackle the fire themselves using a dog bed and then water. This made the fire worse which unfortunately caused the resident to suffer minor burns and smoke inhalation. 

Firefighters are highlighting why it’s so important to have working smoke alarms at home after a couple and their dog safely escaped a flat fire in Southend today.

Crews were called to Lonsdale Road, Southend at 1:08pm and reported a ground floor flat was heavily smoke logged. 

Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and believe it was caused by an incense stick that caught a nearby suitcase alight.