Incident

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
Closed
Incident number
281765
Attending station
Location
Garnons Chase, Wormingford
Date
11.48am - 09 July 2025