Stray spark from blow torch causes barn fire

Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames two hours after they were called to the scene

A barn suffered extensive damage to its roof after a stray spark from a blow torch caused a fire.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service attended Barnston Road, in Barnston near Great Dunmow, at 18:06 BST on Tuesday.

Crews found the roof of a single-storey building had caught alight after its occupant had been using a blow torch to burn leaves.

The property suffered "extensive damage" from water, fire and smoke, the service said.

The alarm had been sounded by a passer-by after the owner had gone inside having finished their work.

Watch manager Mark Curtis said a stray spark had caused the fire to start in the owner's absence.

"I'd like to praise crews who worked hard to get the fire under control, stop it from spreading to the adjacent building and dampen down," Mr Curtis said.