Bonfire spreads to three gardens

Firefighters are giving bonfire safety advice after a bonfire spread to three gardens in Wormingford, Colchester today. 

Crews from Colchester were called to reports of a bonfire spreading out of control.

Station Manager Nick Singleton said: "When we arrived the bonfire had spread through some dry conifers, along hedgerow and into three gardens. 

"When burning bonfires, weather conditions are important. If its hot, dry and windy - we'd advise not to burn bonfires. It only takes an ember to get picked up by wind and for a fire to spread." 

If you’re planning to have a bonfire:

• Make sure you site the bonfire 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